In re Forfeiture of 12-Gauge Shotgun

In these consolidated appeals, claimants appeal as of right from the circuit court’s order of forfeiture pursuant to MCL 333.7521(f); MSA 14.15(7521)(f). We reverse.

Claimant Richard Myers delivered a controlled substance to a police informant. His property was seized pursuant to a search warrant of his residence. A petition for forfeiture was subsequently filed by the prosecution. In response, claimants filed a notice of claim and deposited $250 in cash as security for payment of costs in the forfeiture proceedings. At the show-cause hearing, the trial court ruled that claimants were required…