2234
Sixty-Day Notice Period in All Administrative
Forfeiture
Cases
|
BACKGROUND: Through the many forfeiture statutes, Congress has
made
clear its intent that the government be expeditious in providing notice and
in
initiating forfeiture actions against seized property. Further, a
fundamental
aspect of due process in any forfeiture proceeding is that notice be given
as
soon as practicable to apprise interested persons of the pendency of the
action
and afford them an opportunity to be heard.
Notice to owners and interested parties of the seizure and intent
to
forfeit in all administrative forfeiture cases is governed by 19 U.S.C.
§
1607, which requires "written notice" to all interested parties.
[cited in USAM 9-112.210] | |