§ 7-621. Answer to petition.

(a) When to be made.

Any defense to the petition must be filed within 15 days after publication of the notice.

(b) How to be made.

(1) All defenses to a petition for forfeiture must be made by answer.

(2) The answer must:

(i) comply with the Maryland Rules of Procedure as to form and contents;

(ii) be divided into numbered paragraphs, each containing a separate and distinctive averment; and

(iii) respond to each material allegation contained in the petition, specifically admitting, denying, or explaining the facts alleged, unless the respondent is without knowledge or an admission or explanation would tend to incriminate the respondent, in either of which events the respondent must so state and that statement will operate as a denial.

(c) Effect.

(1) Every allegation in the petition that is not denied in the answer is considered admitted, except as to persons unknown.

(2) New or affirmative matter alleged in the answer is considered denied or avoided by the petitioner without the need of any replication, unless the court orders otherwise.