In the Matter of Property Seized from Jean Carlos Herrera and Fernando Rodriguez

WATERMAN, Justice.

This appeal from civil forfeiture proceedings presents several issues: (1) whether invoking the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination excuses compliance with statutory pleading requirements for establishing ownership in cash seized by the State, including identifying the source of the funds; (2) whether the district court must decide motions to suppress evidence before adjudicating forfeiture claims; and (3) whether a claimant is entitled to attorney fees as a prevailing party under the forfeiture statute when the State ultimately consented to the return of…