Radford v. State

This is a civil-forfeiture case involving a 1995 Nissan Maxima automobile. Following an ore tenus hearing, the trial court concluded that it was reasonably satisfied that the automobile "was used, or intended for use, in a transaction which would be a violation of the Alabama Controlled Substances Act," declared the automobile to be contraband, and ordered the automobile condemned and forfeited to the State. See Ala. Code 1975, § 20-2-93(a)(5); Pickron v. State ex rel. Johnston,443 So.2d 905, 907 (Ala. 1983). Willa Radford, the owner of the car, appealed. The Court of Civil Appeals reversed…