Reach v. State

The State of Alabama seized two of appellant's vehicles and instituted a forfeiture proceeding pursuant to Ala. Code 1975 §20-2-93, because appellant allegedly intended to use the vehicles to transport marijuana. The dispositive issue on appeal is whether the State instituted the forfeiture proceeding "promptly," as required by the statute.

The facts are undisputed. On October 29, 1986, officers of the Alabama Department of Conservation received a complaint that persons were poaching or trespassing on hunting club property. These conservation officers, as well as Deputy Tingle from the Perry…