People ex rel. Ward v. 1963 Cadillac Coupe

This direct appeal challenges the constitutionality of article 36 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1965, chap. 38, pars. 36 — 1 through 36 — 4), which provides for seizure and forfeiture of vessels, vehicles and aircraft used in the commission of certain offenses.

On October 18, 1965, following their arrest of Joseph Pascucci on a charge of gambling, Chicago police officers seized a 1963 Cadillac coupe owned by him. The car was turned over to the Cook County sheriff on October 27, and the sheriff sent notice of the seizure to Pascucci on the following day. On December 22,…