Robinson v. Hanrahan, 409 U.S. 38 (1972)

Robinson v. Hanrahan

No. 71-6918

Decided October 24, 1972
409 U.S. 38

APPEAL FROM THE SUPREME COURT OF ILLINOIS

Syllabus

Notwithstanding its knowledge that appellant was in the Cook County jail awaiting trial, the State of Illinois mailed notice of automobile forfeiture proceedings to appellant at his home, which he did not receive until his release, when he learned that the car had been forfeited. The circuit court rejected appellant’s motion for rehearing. The Illinois Supreme Court affirmed.

Held: The procedure followed here did not comport with due process requirements, as the State made no effort to provide appellant with notice "reasonably calculated" to apprise him of the pendency of the forfeiture proceedings.

52 Ill.2d 37, 284 N.E.2d 646, reversed and remanded.