Court Opinion

ID: 9797349
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 04:18:50.334446+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:54:29.386180
License: Public Domain

SERNA, Justice (dissenting). {20} I must respectfully DISSENT. As demonstrated in depth in my dissent in State v. Nunez, 2000-NMSC-013, 129 N.M. 63, 2 P.3d 264, I disagree with the analysis and conclusions of the majority regarding forfeiture. Assuming Defendant showed that a default judgment exists, a default judgment does not constitute punishment because the property is ownerless or abandoned. Further, even if Defendant had established his ownership of the vehicle in a forfeiture proceeding, I do not believe it constitutes punishment for purposes of double jeopardy. Thus, I would affirm his conviction, and I believe it is unnecessary to remand to the district court. {21} I therefore, respectfully, DISSENT. BACA, J., concurs.