Which action follows notice in the typical forfeiture sequence?

• A. Claim/Answer
• B. Investigation
• C. Hearing
• D. Final disposition

Answer: (A)

Notice informs potential claimants that forfeiture may proceed and gives them a deadline to respond. The next action is to file a claim and an answer. The claim asserts the claimant’s interest in the property, and the answer addresses the government’s allegations, establishing standing and outlining defenses. This step officially enters the matter into the forfeiture process and triggers the subsequent stages (investigation, hearings, and then final disposition). Without a timely claim/answer, forfeiture can move forward by default, so this step is the gateway that moves the sequence from notice into contested proceedings.