Opinion ID: 2291010
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: UZI SEMI-AUTOMATIC 9mm GUN

Text: Pursuant to 15 M.R.S.A. § 5821, a firearm is subject to forfeiture only if it is used or intended for use to defend, protect, guard or secure any drugs or drug paraphernalia, section 5821(3) or if it is seized in a lawful search for scheduled drugs in which scheduled drugs are found. Section 5821(3-A). Here the Uzi semi-automatic 9mm gun was seized in a search determined to be unlawful. Neither the District Court on Rule 41(e) motion for the return of property nor the Superior Court in this forfeiture action made a finding that the Uzi was used or intended for use to defend, protect, guard or secure drugs or drug paraphernalia. Rather, the District Court refused to return the Uzi to the Sherrards because the Sherrards made no claim of ownership in it and the court found that it was contraband absent a valid ownership permit. The Superior Court found the Uzi to be short-barrelled assault rifle and a prohibited weapon under federal law because it was not registered. See 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d) [8] Because the forfeiture statute is penal in nature, we must construe the Statute strictly against the State. Millet v. Mullen 95 Me. 400, 415, 49 A. 871, 873 (1901); see C. Company v. City of Westbrook, 269 A.2d 307, 309 (Me.1970). Even though the Sherrards may be prohibited from possessing the Uzi under federal law, and the weapon itself may be contraband under federal law, see United States v. Ten Miscellaneous Firearms, 622 F.Supp. 759, 760 (D.Neb.1985), its forfeiture to the State of Maine or Washington County is not expressly provided for in the forfeiture statute in these circumstances and therefore it is not subject to forfeiture. See State v. Sutterfield, 347 N.W.2d 295, 296 (Minn. App.1984) [9] The entry is: Judgment vacated as to Uzi semi-automatic 9 mm gun. In all other respect judgment affirmed. All concurring.