Opinion ID: 1770580
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: forfeiture of the automobile

Text: Having established that illegal contraband intended for commercial sale was found in defendant's vehicle, the state easily met the remaining elements of proof necessary to allow forfeiture of the automobile. It is clear that Spooner's vehicle was used to transport controlled dangerous substances in the manner specified by R.S. 32:1550(A)(5). The evidence also leaves no room to doubt that Spooner knowingly and intentionally possessed and transported controlled substances, as required by § 1550(C)(2). We agree with the trial court that the state proved all statutory elements necessary to obtain forfeiture of the vehicle. However, we must now turn to the issue which prompted our writ grant in this case, i.e., the conclusion of the lower courts that the $1,400 must be forfeited because the defendant did not prove by clear and convincing evidence that the money was not derivative contraband.