Delaware Code
Chapter 11. SEIZURE AND CONFISCATION
§ 1108. Rule to show cause and service thereof; hearing and order of disposal.

(a) Upon the filing with the Court of the Division's report and petition in accordance with § 1107 of this title, the Court shall direct the issuance of a rule returnable on a day certain at the next succeeding term of the Court, directed to all known claimants, owners and lienors, and such rule shall be issued to and served by the sheriff of the county in which such claimant, owner or lienor shall reside or, if the Court shall so direct, may be mailed by the clerk of the peace to such claimants, owners or lienors at the addresses disclosed by the report and petition. In addition, the Court shall direct publication of a notice, in a form approved by the Court, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties where the property or any part thereof was located at the time of seizure. The publication shall be made at least 1 time weekly during 2 successive weeks preceding the week during which the rule is returnable.
(b) Upon the return of the rule, the Court may order:

(1) The destruction of any of such property except legally distilled spirits with seals and containers so preserved and with labels and seals unbroken as to permit or be eligible for resale;
(2) The delivery of any thereof to any state department, agency or institution or to any hospital or other institution supported in whole or in part by state appropriations, for which such institution shall have use in the conduct of its authorized activities, which order and subsequent delivery shall vest title in and to all such property in the agency, department or institution receiving same;
(3) The sale of any thereof by the Division at public sale, except that such order may direct the Division in its discretion to offer privately for sale in regular trade channels to the licensed importers of alcoholic liquor such of the alcoholic liquor as are bottled for the trade and with labels and seals unbroken at the prevailing price paid by the importers for like brands and quality, and upon any other terms the Court decides should be imposed;
(4) In the case of order for sale of any motor vehicle seized in accordance with this chapter, the order shall also direct that after advertisement and public sale, the proceeds of such sale shall first be applied to the costs of the proceedings including storage, then to bona fide liens placed upon the vehicles prior to seizure, and then to the Division to be disposed of as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(c) The Division shall make return to the Court of its proceedings under the Court's order.

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