<section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-101" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; Property Subject to Forfeiture"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Chief executive officer” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for Baltimore City, the Mayor;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for a charter county, the county executive or, if there is no county executive, the county council;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>for a code county, the county commissioners or county council;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>for a county commissioner county, the county commissioners; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>for a municipal corporation, the legislative body established by municipal charter.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Controlled Dangerous Substances law” means Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Convicted” means found guilty.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Final disposition” means a dismissal, entry of a nolle prosequi, the marking of a criminal charge “stet” on the docket, entry of a not guilty verdict, the pronouncement of sentence, or imposition of probation under § 6-220 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Forfeiting authority” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the unit or person designated by agreement between the State’s Attorney for a county and the chief executive officer of the governing body having jurisdiction over assets subject to forfeiture to act on behalf of the governing body regarding those assets; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the seizing authority is a unit of the State, a unit or person that the Attorney General or the Attorney General’s designee designates by agreement with a State’s Attorney, county attorney, or municipal attorney to act on behalf of the State regarding assets subject to forfeiture by the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Governing body” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State, if the seizing authority is a unit of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a county, if the seizing authority is a unit of a county;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a municipal corporation, if the seizing authority is a unit of a municipality; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Baltimore City, if the seizing authority is the Police Department of Baltimore City.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Lien” includes a mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, or right of setoff.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Lienholder” means a person who has a lien or a secured interest on property created before the seizure.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Local financial authority” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>if the seizing authority is a unit of a county, the treasurer or director of finance of the county; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the seizing authority is a unit of a municipal corporation, the treasurer or director of finance of that municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <level label="1"> <text>“Owner” means a person having a legal, equitable, or possessory interest in property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Owner” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a co-owner;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a life tenant;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a remainderman to a life tenancy in real property;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a holder of an inchoate interest in real property; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a bona fide purchaser for value.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Proceeds” includes property derived directly or indirectly in connection with or as a result of a crime under the Controlled Dangerous Substances law.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Property” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>real property and anything growing on or attached to real property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>tangible and intangible personal property, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>securities;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>negotiable and nonnegotiable instruments;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>vehicles and conveyances of any type;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>privileges;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>interests;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>claims; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>rights;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an item, object, tool, substance, device, or weapon used in connection with a crime under the Controlled Dangerous Substances law; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>money.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Property” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an item unlawfully in the possession of a person other than the owner when used in connection with a crime under the Controlled Dangerous Substances law; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a lessor’s interest in property subject to a bona fide lease, unless the forfeiting authority can show that the lessor participated in a crime under the Controlled Dangerous Substances law or that the property was the proceeds of a crime under the Controlled Dangerous Substances law.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="n"> <level label="1"> <text>“Real property” means land or an improvement to land.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Real property” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a leasehold or other limited interest in real property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an easement; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a reversionary interest in a 99-year ground lease renewable forever.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="o"> <text>“Seizing authority” means a law enforcement unit in the State that is authorized to investigate violations of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law and that has seized property under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-102" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; Property Subject to Forfeiture"> <level label="a"> <text>The following are subject to forfeiture:</text> <level label="1"> <text>controlled dangerous substances manufactured, distributed, dispensed, acquired, or possessed in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>raw materials, products, and equipment used, or intended for use, in manufacturing, compounding, processing, delivering, importing, or exporting a controlled dangerous substance in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>property used or intended for use as a container for property described in item (1) or (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>except as provided in § 12–103 of this subtitle, conveyances, including aircraft, vehicles, or vessels used or intended to be used to transport, or facilitate the transportation, sale, receipt, possession, or concealment of property described in item (1) or (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>books, records, and research, including formulas, microfilm, tapes, and data used or intended for use in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>subject to subsection (b) of this section, weapons used or intended to be used in connection with the unlawful manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance or controlled paraphernalia;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>subject to subsection (b) of this section, any amount of money that is used or intended to be used in connection with the unlawful manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>drug paraphernalia under § 5–619 of the Criminal Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>controlled paraphernalia under § 5–620 of the Criminal Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>except as provided in § 12–103 of this subtitle, the remaining balance of the proceeds of a sale by a holder of an installment sale agreement under § 12–626 of the Commercial Law Article of goods seized under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>except as provided in § 12–103 of this subtitle, real property; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>everything of value furnished, or intended to be furnished, in exchange for a controlled dangerous substance in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law, all proceeds traceable to the exchange, and all negotiable instruments and securities used, or intended to be used, to facilitate any violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>All rights in, title to, and interest in the money or weapons immediately shall vest in:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the State, if the seizing authority was a State unit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the county in which the money or weapons were seized, if the seizing authority was a county law enforcement unit, including a sheriff’s office; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the municipal corporation in which the money or weapons were seized, if the seizing authority was a law enforcement unit of a municipal corporation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The money or weapons may be returned to the claimant only as this title provides.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-103" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; Property Subject to Forfeiture"> <level label="a"> <text>Property or an interest in property described in § 12–102(a)(4), (11), and (12) of this subtitle may not be forfeited unless the State establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law was committed with the owner’s actual knowledge.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A conveyance used as a common carrier or vehicle for hire in the transaction of business as a common carrier or vehicle for hire may not be seized or forfeited under this title unless it appears that the owner or other person in charge of the conveyance was a consenting party or privy to a violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A conveyance may not be forfeited under this title for an act or omission that the owner shows was committed or omitted by a person other than the owner while the person other than the owner possessed the conveyance in criminal violation of federal law or the law of any state.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An owner’s interest in real property may not be forfeited for a violation of § 5-601, § 5-619, or § 5-620 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, real property used as the principal family residence may not be forfeited under this subtitle unless one of the owners of the real property was convicted of a violation of §§ 5-602 through 5-609, §§ 5-612 through 5-614, § 5-617, § 5-618, or § 5-628 of the Criminal Law Article or of an attempt or conspiracy to violate Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Without a conviction, a court may order a forfeiture of real property used as the principal family residence if the owner of the family residence:</text> <level label="i"> <text>fails to appear for a required court appearance; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>fails to surrender to the jurisdiction of the court within 180 days after the required court appearance.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Real property used as the principal family residence by a husband and wife and held by the husband and wife as tenants by the entirety may not be forfeited unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the property was used in connection with a violation of §§ 5-602 through 5-609, §§ 5-612 through 5-614, § 5-617, § 5-618, or § 5-628 of the Criminal Law Article or with an attempt or conspiracy to violate Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>both the husband and wife are convicted of a violation of §§ 5-602 through 5-609, §§ 5-612 through 5-614, § 5-617, § 5-618, or § 5-628 of the Criminal Law Article or of an attempt or conspiracy to violate Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-104" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; Property Subject to Forfeiture"> <level label="a"> <text>At the time of seizure, the seizing authority shall provide a receipt to the person from whom the property was seized, that includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a detailed description of the property;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a case number, property inventory number, or any other reference number used by the seizing authority to connect the property to the circumstances of the seizure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the name and contact information of an individual or office within the seizing authority that can provide information concerning the seized property;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>notice that the owner of the property may make a written request for return of the seized property; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>notice that within 60 days after receipt of a written request for return of the seized property, the seizing authority will decide whether to return the property and notify the owner of the decision.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the person who received a receipt under subsection (a) of this section is not the owner of the property, within 15 days after the seizure of property by a seizing authority, the seizing authority shall send by first–class mail written information to the owner of the seized property, if known, providing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the location and description of the seized property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name and contact information of an individual or office within the seizing authority that can provide further information concerning the seized property, including information on how the property may be returned to the owner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The written information distributed by a seizing authority as required under this section shall state: “Seizure and forfeiture of property is a legal matter. Nothing in this document may be construed as legal advice. You may wish to consult an attorney concerning this matter.”.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-201" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>A Schedule I substance listed in § 5–402 of the Criminal Law Article shall be seized and summarily forfeited to the State if the substance is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>possessed, transferred, sold, or offered for sale in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>possessed by the State and its owner is not known.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A plant may be seized and summarily forfeited to the State if the plant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is one from which a Schedule I or Schedule II substance listed in § 5–402 or § 5–403 of the Criminal Law Article may be derived; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>has been planted or cultivated in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>has an unknown owner or cultivator; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>is a wild growth.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Maryland Department of Health may seize and subject a plant to forfeiture if the person that occupies or controls the place where the plant is growing or being stored fails, on demand from the Maryland Department of Health, to produce an appropriate registration or proof that the person is the holder of a registration.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-202" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>Property subject to forfeiture under this title may be seized:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on a warrant issued by a court that has jurisdiction over the property; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>without a warrant when:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seizure is incident to an arrest or a search under a search warrant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the seizure is incident to an inspection under an administrative inspection warrant;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the property subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the State in a criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding under this title;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>there is probable cause to believe that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>there is probable cause to believe that the property has been used or is intended to be used in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law or this title.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The seizing authority that seizes money that is contraband shall immediately:</text> <level label="1"> <text>photograph the contraband money and record the quantity of each denomination of coin or currency seized; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>deposit the money to the account of the appropriate local financial authority.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A photograph taken under subsection (b) of this section may be substituted for money as evidence in a criminal or forfeiture proceeding.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-203" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>Property seized under this title is in the custody of the seizing authority, and, unless returned to the owner as provided in subsection (c) of this section or § 12–207 of this subtitle, is subject only to the orders, judgments, and decrees of the court or the official having jurisdiction over the property.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A seizing authority may place seized property under seal and remove the property to a place designated by the court.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The owner of seized property may make a written request to the seizing authority for the return of the seized property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 60 days after receipt of a written request under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the seizing authority shall make a decision as to the disposition of the seized property and shall notify the owner that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seizing authority does not have custody of the property and shall provide contact information for the law enforcement agency that does have custody of the property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the seizing authority does have custody of the property and will file a complaint for forfeiture;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the seizing authority does have custody of the property and will retain it for evidentiary purposes until after the conclusion of a criminal case; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the seizing authority does have custody of the property and will promptly return the property to the owner.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-204" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>In exercising the authority to seize motor vehicles under this title, a seizing authority shall apply the standards listed in subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A motor vehicle used in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law or this title shall be seized and forfeiture shall be recommended to the forfeiting authority if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>any quantity of a controlled dangerous substance is sold or attempted to be sold in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law or this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an amount of the controlled dangerous substance or paraphernalia is found that reasonably shows that the violator intended to sell the controlled dangerous substance in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the total circumstances of the case as listed in subsection (c) of this section dictate that seizure and forfeiture are justified.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Circumstances to be considered in deciding whether seizure and forfeiture are justified include:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the possession of controlled dangerous substances;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an extensive criminal record of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a previous conviction of the violator for a controlled dangerous substances crime;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>evidence that the motor vehicle was acquired by use of proceeds from a transaction involving a controlled dangerous substance;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>circumstances of the arrest; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the way in which the motor vehicle was used.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-205" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <text>A motor vehicle used in violation of this title may not be seized and forfeiture may not be recommended to the forfeiting authority if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the motor vehicle falls within § 12-103(b) of this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>an innocent registered owner lends the motor vehicle to another person; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that person, or someone invited into the motor vehicle by that person, brings a controlled dangerous substance or paraphernalia into the motor vehicle without the registered owner’s knowledge; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>a member of the family other than the registered owner uses the motor vehicle, and a controlled dangerous substance or paraphernalia is in the motor vehicle in an amount insufficient to suggest a sale is contemplated;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a sale was not made or attempted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the registered owner did not know that the controlled dangerous substance or paraphernalia was in the motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-206" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>The chief law enforcement officer of the seizing authority that seizes a motor vehicle used in violation of this title shall recommend to the appropriate forfeiting authority in writing that the motor vehicle be forfeited only if the officer:</text> <level label="1"> <text>determines from the records of the Motor Vehicle Administration the names and addresses of all registered owners and secured parties as defined in the Code;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>personally reviews the facts and circumstances of the seizure; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>personally determines, according to the standards listed in § 12-204(b) of this subtitle, and represents in writing that forfeiture is warranted.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A sworn affidavit by the chief law enforcement officer that the officer followed the requirements of this paragraph is admissible in evidence in a proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The chief law enforcement officer may not be subpoenaed or compelled to appear and testify if another law enforcement officer with personal knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the seizure and the recommendation of forfeiture appears and testifies at the proceeding.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-207" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>The forfeiting authority shall surrender the motor vehicle on request to the owner if the forfeiting authority determines, independent of the decision of the seizing authority, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the motor vehicle falls within the purview of § 12-205 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the standards listed under § 12-204(b) of this subtitle were not met.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In a proceeding under this title, the court may determine, based on the standards listed in § 12-204(b) of this subtitle, whether the seizing authority or forfeiting authority abused its discretion or was clearly erroneous:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in recommending the forfeiture of a motor vehicle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in not surrendering on request a motor vehicle to an owner.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-208" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in §§ 12-209 and 12-210 of this subtitle, an owner of seized property who wishes to obtain possession of the property, to convey an interest in real property, or to remove a building or fixture from real property shall notify the clerk of the proper court.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If forfeiture proceedings have begun, the proper court is the court where the proceedings have begun.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If criminal proceedings have begun but forfeiture proceedings have not begun, the proper court is the court where the criminal proceedings have begun.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If neither forfeiture nor criminal proceedings have begun, the proper court is the circuit court for the county where the property was seized.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Unless the forfeiting authority and the owner agree to a bond in another amount, if a motor vehicle is not needed for evidentiary purposes in a judicial proceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the court shall appraise the value of the motor vehicle on the basis of the average value of the motor vehicle set forth in the National Automobile Dealer’s Association official used car guide; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if the owner shows that a lien is on the motor vehicle and the owner agrees to make the required payments to the lienholder, the court shall require a bond in an amount of the average value of the motor vehicle set forth in the National Automobile Dealer’s Association official used car guide, less the amount owed on the lien.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>For a motor vehicle, the court shall appraise the value in the manner provided in this subsection and provide the appraisal in writing to the clerk of the court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If property other than a motor vehicle is not needed for evidentiary purposes in a judicial proceeding, the clerk shall obtain an independent appraisal of the value of the property.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The sheriff or other person responsible for an appraisal under this subsection shall promptly:</text> <level label="i"> <text>inspect and appraise the value of the property; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>return the appraisal in writing under oath to the clerk of the court.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Notice of the appraisal shall be sent to all lienholders shown in the records required by law for notice or the perfection of the lien.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>On the filing of an appraisal, the owner may give bond payable to the clerk of the court in an amount equal to the greater of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the appraised value of the property plus any accrued costs; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the aggregate amount of the liens on the property that are shown in the records required by law for the notice or perfection of liens.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person may give a bond under this section by cash, through a surety, through a lien on real property, or by other means that the clerk approves.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A bond authorized under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be conditioned for performance on final judgment by the court;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>shall be filed in the District Court or circuit court where the criminal action that gave rise to the seizure is pending; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>unless a complaint for forfeiture has been filed, shall be part of the same criminal proceeding.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If a criminal action is not pending or a forfeiture complaint has not been filed, the bond shall be filed in the circuit court or District Court where the property was seized.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If the court orders that property or an interest or equity in the property or proceeds be forfeited under this title, the court shall enter judgment in the amount of the bond against the obligors on the bond without further proceedings.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Payment of the amount of the bond shall be applied as provided under § 12-402(d)(2) of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-209" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <text>Seizure of real property occurs on the earlier of the filing:</text> <level label="1"> <text>of a complaint for forfeiture under this title; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>of a notice of pending litigation in the circuit court of the county where the real property is located.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-210" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the rights of a lienholder to sell the real property, an owner or owner’s tenant may remain in possession of seized real property until forfeiture is ordered.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The forfeiting authority may apply to the court for the appointment of a receiver to apply income from income-producing property.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a person who is an owner or owner’s tenant remains in possession of the real property and the person’s interest in the real property is forfeited, the person shall immediately surrender the real property to the seizing authority in substantially the same condition as when seized.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-211" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an act is agreed to by a forfeiting authority or is ordered by the court; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an owner posts a bond under § 12-208 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to subsection (a) of this section, until the court enters judgment in favor of the owner, an owner may not attempt:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to convey or encumber an interest in seized real property; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to remove a building or fixture on seized real property.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-212" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Seizure"> <text>A seizing authority or prosecuting authority may not directly or indirectly transfer seized property to a federal law enforcement authority or agency unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a criminal case related to the seizure is prosecuted in the federal court system under federal law;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the owner of the property consents to the forfeiture;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the property is cash of at least $50,000; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the seizing authority transfers the property to a federal authority under a federal seizure warrant issued to take custody of assets originally seized under State law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-301" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <text>Except as provided in § 12–304(d) of this subtitle, if property is seized under § 12–202(a)(2)(iv) and (v) of this title because there is probable cause to believe that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety and that the property was or will be used to violate this title, forfeiture proceedings under this subtitle shall be filed promptly.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-302" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>To apply for the forfeiture of money, the appropriate local financial authority or the Attorney General shall file a complaint and affidavit in the District Court or the circuit court for the county in which the money was seized.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The complaint and affidavit shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules of Procedure.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-303" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <text>Except as provided in § 12-302 of this subtitle and § 4-401(9) of the Courts Article, the appropriate forfeiting authority shall file proceedings under this title in the circuit court.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-304" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided under subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a complaint seeking forfeiture shall be filed within the earlier of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>90 days after the seizure; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>1 year after the final disposition of the criminal charge for the violation giving rise to the forfeiture.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A complaint for the forfeiture of a motor vehicle shall be filed within 45 days after the motor vehicle is seized.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the State or a political subdivision does not file a timely complaint seeking forfeiture under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, the property shall be promptly released to the owner, if known.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A proceeding about money shall be filed within 90 days after the final disposition of criminal proceedings that arise out of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the State or a political subdivision does not file proceedings about money within the 90–day period, the money seized under this title shall be returned to the owner on request by the owner.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the owner fails to ask the return of the money within 1 year after the final disposition of criminal proceedings, as provided under § 12–403 of this title, the money shall revert to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the political subdivision in which the money was seized; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the State, if the money was seized by State authorities.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-305" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>A complaint seeking forfeiture shall contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a description of the property seized;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the date and place of the seizure;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the name of the owner, if known;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the name of the person in possession, if known;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the name of each lienholder, if known or reasonably subject to discovery;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>an allegation that the property is subject to forfeiture;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>if the forfeiting authority seeks to forfeit a lienholder’s interest in property, an allegation that the lien was created with actual knowledge that the property was being or was to be used in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a statement of the facts and circumstances surrounding the seizure;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>a statement setting forth the specific grounds for forfeiture; and</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>an oath or affirmation by the forfeiting authority that the contents of the complaint are true to the best of the forfeiting authority’s knowledge, information, and belief.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 20 days after the filing of the complaint, copies of the summons and complaint shall be sent by certified mail requesting “restricted delivery – show to whom, date, address of delivery” and first–class mail to all known owners and lienholders whose identities are reasonably subject to discovery, including all real property owners and lienholders shown in the records required by law for notice or perfection of the lien.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-306" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>A notice shall be signed by the clerk and shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>include the caption of the case;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>describe the substance of the complaint and the relief sought;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>state the latest date on which a response may be filed;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>state that the property shall be forfeited if a response is not filed on time;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>state that the owner of the property may have possession of the property pending forfeiture by posting a bond as provided in § 12-208 of this title; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>tell where to file a response and whom to contact for more information concerning the forfeiture.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 20 days after the filing of the complaint, the notice shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>posted by the sheriff on the door of the courthouse where the action is pending or on a bulletin board within the immediate vicinity of the door;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>posted by the sheriff in a conspicuous place on the land, if forfeiture of real property is sought; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>published at least once a week in each of 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the action is pending, unless the property is a boat or motor vehicle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-307" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <text>The answer to a complaint shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>comply with the Maryland Rules;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>state the nature and extent of the person’s right in, title to, or interest in the property;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>state how and when the person acquired a right in, title to, or interest in the property; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>contain a request for relief and a request for a prompt hearing.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-308" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>If an answer has been filed on time, the court shall set a hearing on the forfeiture claim within 60 days after the later of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>posting of notice under § 12-306(b)(1) or (2) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>final publication of notice under § 12-306(b)(3) of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Without a hearing, the court may order forfeiture of the property interest of a person who fails to timely file an answer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-309" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <text>Except as provided in § 12–103(e) of this title and § 12–312 of this subtitle, an owner’s interest in real property may be forfeited if the real property was used in connection with a violation of §§ 5–602 through 5–609, §§ 5–612 through 5–614, § 5–617, § 5–618, or § 5–628 of the Criminal Law Article or is convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to violate Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-310" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>Forfeiture proceedings for real property may be brought in the jurisdiction where:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the criminal charges are pending;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the owner resides; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the real property is located.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If forfeiture proceedings for real property are brought in a jurisdiction other than where the real property is located, a notice of pending litigation shall be filed in the jurisdiction where the property is located.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A notice of pending litigation required under this subsection shall include at least:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name and address of the owner of the real property;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a description of the real property; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a description of the reasons for the filing of the forfeiture proceedings and notice of pending litigation.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-311" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <text>If an owner of real property used as the principal family residence is convicted under §§ 5–602 through 5–609, §§ 5–612 through 5–614, § 5–617, § 5–618, or § 5–628 of the Criminal Law Article or is convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to violate Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article and the owner files an appeal of the conviction, the court shall stay forfeiture proceedings under § 12–103(e) of this title or § 12–312(b) of this subtitle against the real property during the pendency of the appeal.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-312" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, property or part of a property in which a person has an ownership interest is subject to forfeiture as proceeds, if the State establishes by clear and convincing evidence that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person has violated §§ 5–602 through 5–609, §§ 5–612 through 5–614, § 5–617, § 5–618, or § 5–628 of the Criminal Law Article or has attempted or conspired to violate Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the property was acquired by the person during the violation or within a reasonable time after the violation; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>there was no other likely source for the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Real property used as the principal family residence may not be forfeited under this section unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an owner of the real property was convicted of a crime described under subsection (a) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the real property is covered by § 12–103(d)(2) of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-313" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Forfeiture Proceedings"> <text>Except for purposes of impeachment, a statement made by a person regarding ownership of seized property during the course of a forfeiture proceeding is not admissible in a related criminal prosecution.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-401" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Disposition"> <text>In a proceeding under this title, a court:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may grant requests for mitigation or remission of forfeiture or take other action that protects the rights of innocent persons, is consistent with this title, and is in the interest of justice;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may resolve claims arising under this title; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may take appropriate measures to safeguard and maintain property forfeited under this title pending the disposition of the property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-402" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Disposition"> <level label="a"> <text>After a full hearing, if the court determines that the property should not be forfeited, the court shall order that the property be released.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to § 12-403(b) of this subtitle, if the court determines that the property should be forfeited, the court shall order that the property be forfeited to the appropriate governing body.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the court determines that the forfeited property is subject to a valid lien created without actual knowledge of the lienholder that the property was being or was to be used in violation of the Controlled Dangerous Substances law, the court shall order that the property be released within 5 days to the first priority lienholder.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The lienholder shall sell the property in a commercially reasonable manner.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proceeds of the sale shall be applied as follows:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to the court costs of the forfeiture proceeding;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to the balance due the lienholder, including all reasonable costs incident to the sale;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>to payment of all other expenses of the proceedings for forfeiture, including expenses of seizure or maintenance of custody; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>except as provided in § 12-403(b) of this subtitle, to the General Fund of the State or of the political subdivision that seized the property.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-403" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Disposition"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Whenever property is forfeited under this title, the governing body where the property was seized may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>keep the property for official use;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>require an appropriate unit to take custody of the property and destroy or otherwise dispose of it; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>sell the property if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the law does not require the property to be destroyed; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the property is not harmful to the public.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proceeds of a sale under this subsection shall first be used to pay all proper expenses of the proceedings for forfeiture and sale, including expenses of seizure, maintenance of custody, advertising, and court costs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the seizing authority was a State law enforcement unit:</text> <level label="1"> <text>under § 12-402(b) of this subtitle, the court shall order the property to be forfeited to the State law enforcement unit; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>under § 12-402(d)(2)(iv) of this subtitle, the proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the State law enforcement unit.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the State law enforcement unit that receives forfeited property or proceeds from a sale of forfeited property under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>dispose of the forfeited property as provided in subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the General Fund of the State any proceeds of the sale of the forfeited property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Except as otherwise provided under federal law, a law enforcement unit other than a State law enforcement unit that participated with a State law enforcement unit in seizing property forfeited under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be paid by the State law enforcement unit the share of the proceeds from the sale of the forfeited property as agreed by the law enforcement units; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may ask the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy to determine its share.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>Proceeds that a law enforcement unit other than a State law enforcement unit receives under subsection (d) of this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the political subdivision of that law enforcement unit.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-404" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Disposition"> <text>A sale of property ordered under this title shall be made for cash and gives the purchaser clear and absolute title.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-405" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Disposition"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation equal to 100% of the proceeds deposited in the General Fund of the State under this subtitle to the Maryland Department of Health for the purpose of funding drug treatment and education programs.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-501" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Lienholders"> <level label="a"> <text>Before exercising the right to sell property that has been seized under this title, a lienholder shall give to the forfeiting authority:</text> <level label="1"> <text>written notice of the intention to sell;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>copies of documents giving rise to the lien;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an affidavit under oath by the lienholder:</text> <level label="i"> <text>stating that the underlying obligation is in default; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>stating the reasons for the default.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request of the lienholder, the forfeiting authority shall release the property to the lienholder.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-502" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Lienholders"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the law governing the sale of collateral securing an obligation in default governs a lienholder’s repossession and sale of property that has been seized under this title.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A lienholder may not be required to take possession of the property before the sale of the property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-503" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Lienholders"> <level label="a"> <text>Any part of the proceeds from a sale of property that has been seized under this title that would be paid to an owner of the property under the applicable law relating to distribution of proceeds:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall be paid to the seizing authority; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall be property subject to forfeiture.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If an order of forfeiture is not entered, the State shall return to the owner that part of the proceeds and any costs of the forfeiture proceedings paid from the proceeds of the sale.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-504" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Lienholders"> <level label="a"> <text>If the interest of the owner in property that has been seized under this title is redeemed, the lienholder shall mail a notice of the redemption to the forfeiting authority within 10 days after the redemption.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If property that has been seized under this title has been repossessed or otherwise lawfully taken by the lienholder, the lienholder shall return the property to the seizing authority within 21 days after the redemption.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The seizing authority and the forfeiting authority may then proceed with the forfeiture of the property or the proceeds from the sale of the property.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Time limitations required under this title for notice and filing of the complaint for forfeiture run from the date of redemption or purchase of the property that has been seized under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-505" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Lienholders"> <text>This title does not prohibit a lienholder from exercising rights under applicable law, including the right to sell property that has been seized under this title, if a default occurs in the obligation giving rise to the lien.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-601" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Reporting"> <text>In this subtitle, “MSAC” means the Maryland Statistical Analysis Center of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.</text> </section> <section article="gcp" article_name="Criminal Procedure" number="12-602" title_number="12" title_name="Forfeiture -- Controlled Dangerous Substances Violations" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Reporting"> <level label="a"> <text>On an annual basis, each seizing authority in consultation with the corresponding forfeiting authority shall report how any funds appropriated to the authority as a result of forfeiture were spent in the preceding fiscal year and the following information about each individual seizure and forfeiture completed by the agency under this title:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the date that currency, vehicles, houses, or other types of property were seized;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the type of property seized, including year, make, and model, as applicable;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the outcome of related criminal action, including whether charges were brought, a plea bargain was reached, a conviction was obtained, or an acquittal was issued;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>whether a unit of federal government took custody of the seized property, and the name of the unit;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>for property other than money, the market value of the property seized;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>if money was seized, the amount of money;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the amount the seizing authority received in the prior year from the federal government as part of an equitable sharing agreement;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the race and gender of the person or persons from whom the property was seized, if known; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>whether the property was returned to the owner.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>MSAC may require a seizing authority to provide relevant information not specified in subsection (a) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Each seizing authority shall file with MSAC the report required under subsection (a) of this section for the seizing authority and the corresponding forfeiting authority.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A null report shall be filed by a seizing authority that did not engage in seizures or forfeitures under this title during the reporting period.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>MSAC shall develop a standard form, a process, and deadlines for electronic data entry for annual submission of forfeiture data by seizing authorities.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>MSAC shall compile the submissions and issue an aggregate report of all forfeitures under this title in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>By March 1 of each year, MSAC shall make available on its website the reports submitted by seizing authorities and the aggregate report of MSAC.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall submit the aggregate report to the Governor, the General Assembly, as provided in § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, and each seizing authority before September 1 of each year.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall include in the aggregate report the total amount from forfeitures deposited in the General Fund of the State under § 12–405 of this title that were appropriated to the Maryland Department of Health for the purpose of funding drug treatment and education programs and how the funds were spent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy may include, with the aggregate report of MSAC, recommendations to the legislature to improve forfeiture statutes to better ensure that forfeiture proceedings are reported and handled in a manner that is fair to crime victims, innocent property owners, secured interest holders, citizens, and taxpayers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If a seizing authority fails to comply with the reporting provisions of this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy shall report the noncompliance to the Police Training and Standards Commission; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Police Training and Standards Commission shall contact the seizing authority and request that the agency comply with the required reporting provisions.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the seizing authority fails to comply with the required reporting provisions within 30 days after being contacted by the Police Training and Standards Commission, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and the Police Training and Standards Commission jointly shall report the noncompliance to the Governor and the Legislative Policy Committee of the General Assembly.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>MSAC may recoup its costs by charging a fee to each seizing authority that engages in seizures or forfeitures during the reporting period.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A seizing authority may use forfeiture proceeds to pay the cost of compiling and reporting data under this subtitle, including any fee imposed by MSAC.</text> </level> </level> </section>