Related Content
in Guadalupe County
Ruling
The People of the State of California vs. $1000.00 U.S. Currency
Jul 15, 2024 |
22CV-0199795
U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: 22CV-0199795
This consolidated asset forfeiture matter is on calendar for review regarding status of criminal
proceedings and amended petition. On June 10, 2024, the People advised the Court that Judgment
and Sentencing in the underlying criminal matter was set for June 13, 2024. No amended petition
has been filed. No status report has been filed. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar
to provide the Court with a status of the criminal proceeding and amended petition.
Ruling
The People of the State of California vs. $12,276.00 U.S. Currency
Jul 16, 2024 |
24CV-0204435
U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: 24CV-0204435
This matter is on calendar for review regarding status of return of funds. At the last hearing on
June 10, 2024, the People advised the Court that the underlying criminal case was dismissed. The
People further advised they intended to dismiss this case. The Court directed return of the funds
to the Claimant. A Motion to Dismiss has been filed. However, the return of funds has not been
addressed. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar to address the status of the return
of funds.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA VS. $1000.00
Ruling
THE PEOPLE VS. $14, 240.00 U.S.CURRENCY
Jul 18, 2024 |
CVPT21-0197475
THE PEOPLE VS. $14, 240.00 U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: CVPT21-0197475
Tentative Ruling on Motion for Default Judgment: The People of the State of California move
for forfeiture of $11,440.00 US Currency pursuant to Health and Safety Code 11488.5(b)(1).
Hearing on this Motion for Default Judgment was continued from April 15, 2024 to permit the
People to cure the following defects: 1) improper proof of service, 2) improperly verified
declaration. Both defects have been cured.
Merits: Currency that is “furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a
controlled substance” or used or intended to be used to facilitate particular provisions of the Health
and Safety Code are subject to seizure and forfeiture. Health and Safety Code § 11470. The
judicial and/or administrative procedure for forfeiture is laid out generally in Health and Safety
Code §§ 11488.4 and 11488.5. For a judicial forfeiture the District Attorney’s Office (or other
agency) is required to file a Petition for Forfeiture. Health and Safety Code § 11488.4(a). The
Petition for Forfeiture must be served on the individuals from whom the property was seized.
Health and Safety Code § 11488.5(c). This service is in addition to the service of a notice at the
time of the seizure. Id. Notices of forfeiture must also be published for three consecutive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the subject property was seized. Health
and Safety Code § 11488.4(e). The notice must contain a description of the property, the appraised
value of the property, the date and place of seizure or location of any property not seized but
subject to forfeiture, the violation of the law alleged with respect to forfeiture of the property, and
the instructions for filing and serving a claim. Health and Safety Code § 11488.4(j).
To challenge the forfeiture, any person claiming an interest in seized property must file a verified
claim within 30 days after receipt of actual notice. Health and Safety § 11488.5(a)(1). If at the
end of the 30-day period, or after 30 days from the date of the last publication, there is no claim
on file, the court upon motion shall declare the property forfeited. Health and Safety Code §
11488.5(b)(1). If no timely claim is filed, the Court, upon motion, shall declare the property seized
or subject to forfeiture upon a showing by the District Attorney that there is a prima facie case in
support of the forfeiture. Health and Safety Code § 11488.5(b)(1).
Under either state or federal law, the “probable cause” standard represents the minimum prima
facie case the People must make to obtain a default forfeiture judgment. People v. $47,050 (1993)
17 Cal.App.4th 1319, 1325, fn. 6. A prima face case of probable cause for forfeiture is that
minimal level of evidence to support the conclusion that the illegal activities alleged specifically
related to narcotics trafficking, or evidence linking the cash to a narcotics transaction. People v.
$497,590 United States Currency (1997) 58 Cal.App.4th 145, 154. An expert’s opinion on an
ultimate issue of fact is admissible and may constitute substantial evidence in forfeiture matters
where is based on an adequate factual foundation showing a nexus between the cash seized and
narcotics trafficking. People v. $47,050, supra 17 Cal.App.4th at 1325.
Here, the subject property was seized from Marty Hilliard, who was served the required notices
and signed the acknowledgement of receipt. Hilliard filed a Claim Opposing Forfeiture on June
4, 2021. The People filed a Petition for Forfeiture in Rem on June 24, 2021. The Petition was
served on Hilliard by mail. After multiple failures to appear at hearings regarding the Claim, and
the imposition of sanctions, the Court issued an Order to Show Cause Re: Dismissal for failure to
appear. On April 17, 2023, the Court dismissed the Claim pursuant to Gov’t Code section
68608(b). Notice was properly published in the Record Searchlight on April 21, 2024, April 28,
2024, and May 5, 2024.
As for the prima facie case, Petitioner has met its burden. Officer Seth Edwards has provided the
necessary expert opinion that the seized currency was furnished or was intended to be furnished
by a person in exchange for a controlled substance, was proceeds traceable to an exchange of
controlled substances or was/intended to be used to facilitate conduct in violation of Health and
Safety Code §§ 11359 and/or 11360. His opinion is supported by the foundational facts that: the
$11,440.00 US Currency was found in Mr. Hillard’s residence, along with 6 ounces of
methamphetamine, one ounce of heroin, packaging materials, and a digital scale. Petitioner has
provided the required evidence to establish a prima facie case of forfeiture. The Motion for Default
Judgment is GRANTED. A proposed order and judgment has been lodged and will be executed.
Ruling
The People of the State of California vs. $12,276.00 U.S. Currency
Jul 17, 2024 |
24CV-0204435
U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: 24CV-0204435
This matter is on calendar for review regarding status of return of funds. At the last hearing on
June 10, 2024, the People advised the Court that the underlying criminal case was dismissed. The
People further advised they intended to dismiss this case. The Court directed return of the funds
to the Claimant. A Motion to Dismiss has been filed. However, the return of funds has not been
addressed. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar to address the status of the return
of funds.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA VS. $1000.00
Ruling
THE PEOPLE VS. $14, 240.00 U.S.CURRENCY
Jul 17, 2024 |
CVPT21-0197475
THE PEOPLE VS. $14, 240.00 U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: CVPT21-0197475
Tentative Ruling on Motion for Default Judgment: The People of the State of California move
for forfeiture of $11,440.00 US Currency pursuant to Health and Safety Code 11488.5(b)(1).
Hearing on this Motion for Default Judgment was continued from April 15, 2024 to permit the
People to cure the following defects: 1) improper proof of service, 2) improperly verified
declaration. Both defects have been cured.
Merits: Currency that is “furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a
controlled substance” or used or intended to be used to facilitate particular provisions of the Health
and Safety Code are subject to seizure and forfeiture. Health and Safety Code § 11470. The
judicial and/or administrative procedure for forfeiture is laid out generally in Health and Safety
Code §§ 11488.4 and 11488.5. For a judicial forfeiture the District Attorney’s Office (or other
agency) is required to file a Petition for Forfeiture. Health and Safety Code § 11488.4(a). The
Petition for Forfeiture must be served on the individuals from whom the property was seized.
Health and Safety Code § 11488.5(c). This service is in addition to the service of a notice at the
time of the seizure. Id. Notices of forfeiture must also be published for three consecutive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the subject property was seized. Health
and Safety Code § 11488.4(e). The notice must contain a description of the property, the appraised
value of the property, the date and place of seizure or location of any property not seized but
subject to forfeiture, the violation of the law alleged with respect to forfeiture of the property, and
the instructions for filing and serving a claim. Health and Safety Code § 11488.4(j).
To challenge the forfeiture, any person claiming an interest in seized property must file a verified
claim within 30 days after receipt of actual notice. Health and Safety § 11488.5(a)(1). If at the
end of the 30-day period, or after 30 days from the date of the last publication, there is no claim
on file, the court upon motion shall declare the property forfeited. Health and Safety Code §
11488.5(b)(1). If no timely claim is filed, the Court, upon motion, shall declare the property seized
or subject to forfeiture upon a showing by the District Attorney that there is a prima facie case in
support of the forfeiture. Health and Safety Code § 11488.5(b)(1).
Under either state or federal law, the “probable cause” standard represents the minimum prima
facie case the People must make to obtain a default forfeiture judgment. People v. $47,050 (1993)
17 Cal.App.4th 1319, 1325, fn. 6. A prima face case of probable cause for forfeiture is that
minimal level of evidence to support the conclusion that the illegal activities alleged specifically
related to narcotics trafficking, or evidence linking the cash to a narcotics transaction. People v.
$497,590 United States Currency (1997) 58 Cal.App.4th 145, 154. An expert’s opinion on an
ultimate issue of fact is admissible and may constitute substantial evidence in forfeiture matters
where is based on an adequate factual foundation showing a nexus between the cash seized and
narcotics trafficking. People v. $47,050, supra 17 Cal.App.4th at 1325.
Here, the subject property was seized from Marty Hilliard, who was served the required notices
and signed the acknowledgement of receipt. Hilliard filed a Claim Opposing Forfeiture on June
4, 2021. The People filed a Petition for Forfeiture in Rem on June 24, 2021. The Petition was
served on Hilliard by mail. After multiple failures to appear at hearings regarding the Claim, and
the imposition of sanctions, the Court issued an Order to Show Cause Re: Dismissal for failure to
appear. On April 17, 2023, the Court dismissed the Claim pursuant to Gov’t Code section
68608(b). Notice was properly published in the Record Searchlight on April 21, 2024, April 28,
2024, and May 5, 2024.
As for the prima facie case, Petitioner has met its burden. Officer Seth Edwards has provided the
necessary expert opinion that the seized currency was furnished or was intended to be furnished
by a person in exchange for a controlled substance, was proceeds traceable to an exchange of
controlled substances or was/intended to be used to facilitate conduct in violation of Health and
Safety Code §§ 11359 and/or 11360. His opinion is supported by the foundational facts that: the
$11,440.00 US Currency was found in Mr. Hillard’s residence, along with 6 ounces of
methamphetamine, one ounce of heroin, packaging materials, and a digital scale. Petitioner has
provided the required evidence to establish a prima facie case of forfeiture. The Motion for Default
Judgment is GRANTED. A proposed order and judgment has been lodged and will be executed.
Ruling
The People of the State of California vs. $1000.00 U.S. Currency
Jul 17, 2024 |
22CV-0199795
U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: 22CV-0199795
This consolidated asset forfeiture matter is on calendar for review regarding status of criminal
proceedings and amended petition. On June 10, 2024, the People advised the Court that Judgment
and Sentencing in the underlying criminal matter was set for June 13, 2024. No amended petition
has been filed. No status report has been filed. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar
to provide the Court with a status of the criminal proceeding and amended petition.
Ruling
The People of the State of California vs. $1000.00 U.S. Currency
Jul 18, 2024 |
22CV-0199795
U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: 22CV-0199795
This consolidated asset forfeiture matter is on calendar for review regarding status of criminal
proceedings and amended petition. On June 10, 2024, the People advised the Court that Judgment
and Sentencing in the underlying criminal matter was set for June 13, 2024. No amended petition
has been filed. No status report has been filed. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar
to provide the Court with a status of the criminal proceeding and amended petition.
Ruling
The People of the State of California vs. $1000.00 U.S. Currency
Jul 19, 2024 |
22CV-0199795
U.S. CURRENCY
Case Number: 22CV-0199795
This consolidated asset forfeiture matter is on calendar for review regarding status of criminal
proceedings and amended petition. On June 10, 2024, the People advised the Court that Judgment
and Sentencing in the underlying criminal matter was set for June 13, 2024. No amended petition
has been filed. No status report has been filed. An appearance is necessary on today’s calendar
to provide the Court with a status of the criminal proceeding and amended petition.