Gossett Ex Rel. Seventh Judicial Circuit v. Gilliam

Cureton, Judge:

In this forfeiture action, James Gilliam appeals from the trial court’s order finding him in default and denying his demand for a jury trial. On appeal, Gilliam excepts to the entry of a default judgment against him asserting that as an incarcerated civil defendant, he was entitled either to have a guardian ad litem appointed or to personally appear at trial to testify. We affirm.

Gilliam plead guilty to trafficking in marijuana and to other charges in November 1992. On March 8, 1993 a summons and complaint for forfeiture of Gilliam’s 1985 Ford Bronco was served on Gilliam at…