Medlock v. One 1985 Jeep Cherokee Vin 1JCWB7828FT129001

Waller, Justice:

On February 15, 1992, police seized a Jeep Cherokee in the course of a drug raid. Appellant, the owner of the Jeep, sued the City of York seeking its return; the State then brought an action to confirm forfeiture pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-530 (Supp. 1994). Both actions were consolidated and tried by a jury. We affirm the jury’s verdict of forfeiture.

ISSUES

I. Did the trial court have jurisdiction to hear the forfeiture action?

II. What is the state’s burden of proof in a forfeiture action?

III. Was the forfeiture action a violation of the Double Jeopardy Clause?

IV. Does…