Opinion ID: 2412011
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: forfeiture of the motor vehicle

Text: KRS 218A.410(h) provides for forfeiture of all conveyances, including aircraft, vehicles, or vessels, which are used, or intended for use, to transport or in any manner to facilitate the transportation, for the purpose of sale or receipt of property described in (e) or (f) of this subsection, but: . . . (2) No conveyance is subject to forfeiture under this section by reason of any act or omission established by the owner thereof to have been committed or omitted without his knowledge or consent. As it applies to the facts presented here, the foregoing statute subjects the motor vehicle to forfeiture on proof that it was used to facilitate the transportation for the purpose of sale or receipt of controlled substances unless the owner, appellant herein, is able to establish that such use, if any, was without her knowledge or consent. Evidence was presented and the trial court found that a marijuana plant was found in the vehicle along with a set of sophisticated scales of the type often used to weigh drugs. The vehicle itself, although not in running order, was located in close proximity to appellant's dwelling and testimony was given that Kimberly had been seen driving the vehicle within one month of the time of the seizure. From these facts, the trial court concluded that the motor vehicle should be forfeited. The Court of Appeals affirmed and on this issue, we likewise affirm.