Opinion ID: 3134337
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act

Text: In an effort to deter violations of the Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/100 et seq . (West 1994)) and the Cannabis Control Act (720 ILCS 550/1 et seq . (West 1994)), the General Assembly enacted the Drug Asset Forfeiture Procedure Act (725 ILCS 150/1 et seq . (West 1994)) establishing uniform procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of drug related assets. The Act is to be interpreted in light of the federal forfeiture provisions contained in 21 U.S.C. §881 (1994) as interpreted by the federal courts, except to the extent that the provisions expressly conflict. 720 ILCS 550/2 (West 1994). In addition, the Act is to be liberally construed to effectuate its remedial purpose. 725 ILCS 550/13 (West 1994). Where the property seized is “non-real property that exceeds $20,000 in value excluding the value of any conveyance, or is real property,” the Act provides for a judicial in rem procedure. 725 ILCS 150/9 (West 1994). The State's Attorney initiates the action by filing a verified complaint for forfeiture of the property. 725 ILCS 150/9(A) (West 1994). The Act provides that only an owner or interest holder may file an answer asserting a claim against the property. 725 ILCS 150/9(C) (West 1994). In addition, the answer must contain certain information, including the circumstances surrounding the claimant's acquisition of the property. 725 ILCS 150/9(D) (West 1994). The Act provides that the State shall have the initial burden to show the existence of probable cause for forfeiture of the property. 725 ILCS 150/9(G) (West 1994). Where the State satisfies its burden of establishing probable cause, then the burden shifts to the claimant to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the property is not subject to forfeiture. 725 ILCS 150/9(G) (West 1994). A claimant may satisfy this burden by establishing one of the innocent-owner defenses listed in the Act. 725 ILCS 150/8 (West 1994). During the probable cause portion of the proceeding, “the court must receive and consider, among other things, all relevant hearsay evidence and information.” 725 ILCS 150/9(B) (West 1994). During all other portions of the proceeding, the law of evidence relating to civil actions applies. 725 ILCS 150/9(B) (West 1994).