§ 7-620. Forfeiture petition; notice.

(a) Filing; copies to parties in interest.

If the Solicitor determines that the vehicle should be forfeited, the Solicitor must, within 90 days after the seizure of the vehicle:

(1) petition the Circuit Court for Baltimore City in the name of the City against the vehicle, as designated by make, model, year, and motor or serial number; and

(2) at the same time, send by registered or certified mail and by first class mail to the owner and any known secured party:

(i) copies of the petition; and

(ii) a notice of the time and place for a response to be filed.

(b) Contents.

The petition for forfeiture must contain:

(1) the name of the registered owners of the vehicle;

(2) the name of any secured party;

(3) a statement of the facts and circumstances surrounding the seizure of the vehicle;

(4) a statement of the specific grounds for forfeiture; and

(5) a request that the vehicle be forfeited to the City.

(c) Publication of notice.

(1) Within 7 days of the petition's filing, the Solicitor must publish notice of the seizure and forfeiture proceeding in 1 or more newspapers published in the City.

(2) The notice must:

(i) state the substance and object of the forfeiture petition; and

(ii) state that any person claiming an interest in the seized vehicle must file a defense to the petition within 15 days of the date of the notice.