Court Opinion

ID: 9769090
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 14:30:57.243759+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:30:54.120586
License: Public Domain

BURGESS, Justice,
dissenting.
I respectfully dissent. The majority, in applying the two-pronged “analytical tool” discussed in Ursery reaches the conclusion the Texas Forfeiture Statute is civil in nature and therefore, is not within double jeopardy protection. Like the Austin Court of Appeals and, adopting their rationale, I reach the “inescapable conclusion” there is the clearest proof the Texas statute is so punitive in form and effect as to render it criminal in nature, despite the Legislature’s stated intent to the contrary. Ex Parte Ariza, 918 S.W.2d 215, 223 (Tex.App.—Austin 1995, pet. filed). I would reverse the judgment.