State v. Dykes

In Kaster we held that property can be forfeited for the violation of a simple misdemeanor. In re Kaster, 454 N.W.2d 876, 878-79 (Iowa 1990). By that decision we put ourselves in a position appellate courts dread: sanctioning an unconscionable and absurd result.

Today we hold that a motor vehicle can be forfeited because its owner used it while in possession of a controlled substance. *849See Iowa Code §§ 204.401(3) (possession of a controlled substance), 809.1(2)(b) (defining forfeitable property as any property used or intended to be used to facilitate commission of a criminal offense).…