City of Springfield v. $1,645 in United States Currency

Claimant appeals from the judgment in this civil forfeiture proceeding. He contends that the trial court erroneously struck his claim and, subsequently, erroneously entered judgment. We reverse and remand.

The material facts are undisputed. In July 2001, police officers employed by plaintiff City of Springfield seized the subject property, which consisted of cash and a computer allegedly used to facilitate drug crime. Thereafter, claimant filed a notice of claim with plaintiffs forfeiture counsel.

In August 2001, plaintiff, through its forfeiture counsel, filed a civil forfeiture complaint,…