Tellevik v. Real Property Known as 6717 100th Street S.W.

John Joseph Chavez was convicted of manufacturing marijuana. Thereafter, the State forfeited his home. Chavez now argues that the forfeiture violated the double jeopardy clause, the excessive fines clause, and Washington’s homestead exemption. Because the trial court did not determine whether the forfeiture is unconstitutionally excessive, we reverse and remand for further proceedings.

In September 1990, police officers discovered that Chavez was growing marijuana in his residence at 6717 100th Street S.W., Tacoma. On September 24, 1990, the State charged him with one count of manufacturing…