State v. $4200.00 U.S. Currency

LKUHN, Judge.

Antonio Martinez appeals a judgment of forfeiture rendered on August 29, 1996, in favor of the State of Louisiana (State) against $4200.00 U.S. Currency, in an in rem proceeding initiated under the Seizure and Controlled Dangerous Substances Property Forfeiture Act of 1989,2 (the Forfeiture Act). For the following reasons, we dismiss this appeal.

On its face, the delay for appealing the August 29, 1996 judgment has expired. See La.C.C.P. arts. 2087 and 2123. Martinez asserts that because the State’s pleading entitled, “PETITION FOR FORFEITURE IN REM ACTION,” was served on him by…