Universal Underwriters Group v. State

MAJORITY OPINION

KEM THOMPSON FROST, Justice.

The owner of a vehicle appeals the trial court’s order transferring title to the vehicle to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The trial court took this action based on a novel legal theory advanced by the State under article 47.01a of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. We conclude that this legal theory lacks merit under the plain language of the statute. We reverse and render judgment that the owner is awarded possession of the vehicle without conditions.

I. Factual and PROCEDURAL Background

On September 14, 2004, Charles Wallace…