State v. 1985 Chevrolet Pickup Truck, Vin: 1GCEK14HLFS165672

This appeal arises from a forfeiture proceeding brought by the State of Texas against two motor vehicles. The main issue is whether the basic and necessary steps to allow the granting of an equitable bill of review were performed at the trial court level.

In February of 1987, officers from the Beaumont Police Department conducted a search of two vehicles, a 1985 Chevrolet “Z-28” and a 1985 Chevrolet pickup truck, and found cocaine in both. The State filed separate forfeiture actions against the two automobiles. Jo Ann Persley filed an answer as the owner of the “Z-28” and Mike Thibideaux along…