Deeter v. Smith

Facts of Case

This is an automobile forfeiture proceeding brought in Pierce County pursuant to the seizure and forfeiture provisions of this state's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The trial court ordered the automobile returned to the owner, John Deeter. Pierce County and Lyle Smith, its sheriff, appeal.

In criminal proceedings brought against the defendant John Deeter for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, the trial court found his arrest and the police seizure of controlled substances on his person and in his automobile to be unlawful. The trial court…