State v. Thompson ( 2010 )

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT KNOXVILLE
DECEMBER SESSION, 1997 FILED
May 6, 1998
Cecil Crowson, Jr.
STATE OF TENNESSEE, ) Appellate C ourt Clerk
) No. 03C01-9703-CR-00105
Appellee )
) MONROE COUNTY
vs. )
) Hon. R. Steven Bebb , Judge
GARY LEWIS THOMPSON, )
) (DUI, Third Offense;
Appellant ) Forfeiture of Vehicle)
For the Appellant: For the Appellee:
J. Reed Dixon John Knox Walkup
Dixon & Stutts Attorney General and Reporter
P. O. Box 111
Sweetwater, TN 37874 Sandy Copous Patrick
Assistant Attorney General
Criminal Justice Division
450 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0493
Jerry N. Estes
District Attorney General
Richard Newman
Asst. District Attorney General
P. O. Box 647
Athens, TN 37303
OPINION FILED:
AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART
David G. Hayes
Judge
OPINION
The appellant, Gary Lewis Thompson, was indicted by a Monroe County
Grand Jury for the offense of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, third
offense, and driving on a revoked license. On July 22, 1996, the appellant pled
guilty to DUI, third offense, with the sentence to be determined by the trial court.
Prior to the guilty plea hearing, the State moved to nolle pros the vehicular homicide
charge, which was granted. Additionally, the trial court, upon appellant’s motion,
dismissed the charge of driving on a revoked license. Immediately following entry of
the guilty plea, the State, for the first time, requested seizure and forfeiture of the
appellant’s John Deere tractor, which he was operating at the time the DUI offense
occurred. Following a sentencing hearing on September 6, 1996, the trial court
imposed a sentence of eleven months twenty-nine days in the county jail and
assessed a fine of $7,500 for the DUI, third offense conviction. The appellant’s
release percentage was fixed at 75%. The trial court also ordered that the farm
tractor be “confiscated” from the appellant’s possession and forfeited to the State.
On November 8, 1996, the written order to seize and forfeit the tractor was entered.
The appellant appeals from the trial court’s judgment pursuant to Tenn. R. Crim. P.
37(b)(2)(ii), raising the following two issues:
I. Whether the period of confinement in the jail is excessive; and
II. Whether § 55-10-403(k)(1) properly authorizes forfeiture of his
tractor.
After a review and analysis of the appropriate law, we affirm the sentence
and fine imposed by the trial court. However, for reasons stated herein, we vacate
the trial court’s order of forfeiture and remand to the trial court for further
proceedings consistent with this opinion.
2
Background
The facts leading to the appellant’s conviction are essentially undisputed. On
August 11, 1995, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the appellant, a local farmer whose
license had previously been revoked, drove a John Deere tractor south on Highway
11 in Monroe County to Allen’s convenience store to purchase something to eat.1
However, when he arrived at the store, the deli was closed; so he proceeded to the
Raceway convenience store further down the highway. When he arrived at
Raceway, he purchased a six pack of beer and also repaid a $5.00 debt incurred
earlier that week.
After making his purchase, the appellant returned to his tractor and
proceeded north on Highway 11. The appellant was traveling in the right hand lane
at a speed between 18 and 22 miles per hour. Fletus V. Carruth, an off-duty police
officer, was also traveling north on Highway 11.2 Carruth’s vehicle struck the rear of
the appellant’s tractor, resulting in Carruth’s death.3 Although the appellant refused
a blood alcohol test, law enforcement officers at the scene observed that the
appellant was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech, and smelled strongly of
alcohol. Additionally, field sobriety tests were administered to the appellant. The
appellant failed the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test and the Walk and Turn Test.
The appellant admitted that he had “split a twelve pack” with a farm employee earlier
that day.
1
It is unclear from the record the nature of the ownership of the farm tractor. Although the
ownership is not at issue, the appellant testified that he and his three brothers jointly manage an
incorporated 469 acre farm d/b/a Thompson Farm, Inc.
2
Tes timo ny of th e Sta te’s a ccid ent re con struc tion e xpe rt esta blishe d tha t the vic tim’s
vehicle was traveling between 63 and 83 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour speed zone.
3
The loc ation of the collision was lighted by stree tlights and w as situate d within the c ity
limits of Sweetwater. No skid marks were visible.
3
The appellant’s severely damaged tractor was impounded by the State as
evidence. However, the tractor was returned to the appellant’s farm shortly
thereafter and prior to any further proceedings in this case. The appellant, at his
own expense, made extensive repairs to the damaged tractor.
On September 16, 1996, the trial court sentenced the appellant to 11 months,
29 days at 75% and imposed a fine of $7500 for the driving under the influence,
third offense, conviction. On November 8, 1996, the trial court ordered that the
appellant’s John Deere tractor be forfeited pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-
403(k)(1).
I. Length of Appellant’s Sentence
The appellant first contends that the trial court imposed an excessive
sentence for his conviction. Specifically, the appellant argues that the trial court
improperly applied non-statutory enhancement factors and incorrectly applied
statutory enhancement factors that were either unsupported by the evidence or
elements of the offense.
When an appellant complains of his sentence on appeal, this court conducts
a de novo review coupled with a presumption that the trial court’s sentencing
determinations are correct. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401(d) (1990). However, this
presumption is conditioned upon an affirmative showing that the trial court
considered the relevant sentencing principles and all pertinent facts and
circumstances. State v. Ashby, 823 S.W.2d 166, 169 (Tenn. 1991). Regardless of
whether the presumption of correctness is applied, the burden of showing the
impropriety of the sentence is on the appealing party. Sentencing Commission
Comments, Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401.
4
Misdemeanor sentencing is governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-302
(1995 Supp.). Although otherwise entitled to the same considerations under the
Sentencing Reform Act of 1989, unlike a felon, a misdemeanant is not entitled to the
presumption of a minimum sentence. See State v. Seaton, 914 S.W.2d 129, 133
(Tenn. Crim. App. 1995) (citation omitted); State v. Warren, No. 01C01-9605-CC-
00218 (Tenn. Crim. App. at Nashville, May 21, 1997) (citation omitted). Moreover,
as a sentencing hearing is not mandatory, see Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-302 (1995
Supp.), trial courts are not required to explicitly place their findings on the record,
although such practice is beneficial for appellate review. See State v. McKnight,
No. 01C01-9509-CC-00313 (Tenn. Crim. App. at Nashville, June 11, 1996), perm. to
appeal denied, (Tenn. Jan. 6, 1997); see also State v. Troutman, No. 03C01-9509-
CC-00287 (Tenn. Crim. App. at Knoxville, Nov. 6, 1996), perm. to appeal granted,
(Tenn. May 5, 1997) (Hayes, J., dissenting). Additionally, while we acknowledge
that the purpose of requiring the trial court to consider enhancement and mitigating
factors in felony sentencing is to assure the determination of an appropriate
sentence within the applicable sentencing range, we recognize that, a misdemeanor
sentence, as opposed to a felony sentence, contains no sentence range. See
Troutman, No. 03C01-9509-CC-00287 (Hayes, J., dissenting). Thus, although
strict compliance with formal procedures is vital in felony sentencing in part to avoid
disparity in the sentencing of defendants, such rigid compliance is not necessary in
misdemeanor sentencing where the relative narrow sentencing periods
encompassed by class A, B, and C misdemeanors eliminates per se the potential
for disparity. Id. Accordingly, in misdemeanor cases, the trial judge, who is able to
observe first-hand the demeanor and responses of the defendant while testifying,
must be granted discretion in arriving at the appropriate sentence.
Even in light of the court’s discretion and the less stringent procedures
permitted in misdemeanor sentencing, a misdemeanant must be sentenced to a
determinant sentence, including a percentage of that sentence which the offender
5
must serve before becoming eligible for consideration of rehabilitative programs.
Tenn. Code Ann. 40-35-302(b), (d); see also State v. Palmer, 902 S.W.2d 391, 394
(Tenn. 1995). In determining the percentage of the sentence, the court may
consider enhancement and mitigating factors as well as the legislative purposes and
principles related to sentencing. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-302(d); Palmer, 902
S.W.2d at 393-94; State v. Gilboy, 857 S.W.2d 884, 889 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1993).
However, the statutory enhancement and mitigating factors do not have to be the
only factors considered by the trial court in determining the appropriate sentence.
Indeed, consideration of the statutory enhancement factors may very well be futile in
the area of misdemeanor sentencing since the very terms of certain enhancement
factors limit their application solely to felony offenses. See, e.g., Tenn. Code Ann. §
40-35-114(11), -114(12), -114(13), -114(14) (1995 Supp.). Accordingly, the court
should examine the misdemeanor offense in the light and character of the
circumstances of the offense as well as under the mandated sentencing principles.
State v. Brannon, No. 03C01-9508-CR-00233 (Tenn. Crim. App. at Knoxville, Apr. 3,
1996), perm. to appeal denied, (Tenn. Nov. 4, 1996) (citing Gilboy, 857 S.W.2d at
889).
In addition to these guidelines for misdemeanor sentencing, a sentence in a
DUI case must meet certain restrictions provided in the DUI statutes. See Palmer,
902 S.W.2d at 394; see also Seaton, 914 S.W.2d at 132. Specifically, Tenn. Code
Ann. § 55-10-403(a)(1) (1995 Supp.) provides that the sentence for a third time DUI
offender is confinement “in the county jail or workhouse for not less than one
hundred and twenty days nor more than eleven months and twenty-nine days.”
Moreover, a DUI offender, unlike other misdemeanor offenders, can be sentenced
to serve the entire sentence imposed, or 100%. Palmer, 902 S.W.2d at 393-94.
Compare Tenn. Code Ann. 40-35-302(d) (maximum percentage is 75%). Thus, in
effect, the statute mandates a maximum sentence for a DUI conviction “with the only
function of the trial court being to determine what period above the minimum period
6
of incarceration established by statute, if any, is to be suspended.”4 State v.
Combs, 945 S.W.2d 770, 774 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1996), perm. to appeal denied,
(Tenn. 1997); State v. Brice, No. 03C01-9605-CC-00189 (Tenn. Crim. App. at
Knoxville, Dec. 3, 1996). In determining the percentage of the sentence, the court
must consider enhancement and mitigating factors as well as the legislative
purposes and principles related to sentencing. Warren, No. 01C01-0605-CC-00218
(citing Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-302(d); Palmer, 902 S.W.2d at 393-94; Gilboy, 857
S.W.2d at 888-89).
The State presented no proof at the sentencing hearing. The appellant
offered no substantive proof other than his employment on his family’s farm.
Apparently, a presentence report was not completed in the instant case as there is
no reference to such a report during the sentencing hearing and a presentence
report is not included in the record on appeal. 5 The trial court, in its findings, initially
observed that it would be improper to consider the death of Fletus Carruth as an
enhancement factor. 6 In pronouncing sentence, the court concluded:
[The appellant] has been convicted three times in the nineties for
driving under the influence of an intoxicant. . . .[H]e has a prior
conviction for driving on a revoked license. Obviously this person is
one who feels like the law does not apply to him. He has enough
experience evidently that he refused the blood alcohol test in this case.
Those are all things that this Court believes could be considered in
deciding the proper punishment in this case.
The court then imposed a sentence of 11 months, 29 days at 75% and a $7500 fine.
4
All persons convicted under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-403(a) will be placed on probation
for the difference between the time actually served and the maximum sentence. Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 55-10-403(c) (1995 S upp.).
5
W e not e tha t, in m isde me ano r sen tenc ing, u nlike felon y sent enc ing, a pres ente nce
report is op tional, and n ot ma ndatory. See Sentencing Commission Comments, Tenn. Code
Ann. § 40-35-302; Ten n. Code Ann. § 40-35-2 05(a) (1990).
6
The appellant argues that the trial court erroneously considered the death of Fletus
Car ruth a s an e nha nce me nt fac tor. T he re cord fails to supp ort the appe llant’s cont entio n. Th is
claim is w ithout m erit.
7
The appellant presumes, based upon the trial court’s recitation of findings,
that the trial court applied the following enhancement factors, i.e.:
(1) that the appellant has been convicted three times of driving under
the influence;
(2) that the appellant has a prior conviction for driving on a revoked
license;
(3) that the appellant is of the opinion that he is above the law
(4) that the appellant is so experienced with DUI procedure that he
refused the blood alcohol test.
Despite the appellant’s argument, we cannot conclude that the trial court intended
the recited findings to be applied as enhancement factors rather than circumstances
of the offense. Thus, we cannot find that the trial court erred by considering these
circumstances.
We agree with the trial court that the very nature of the appellant’s recurring
criminal behavior, which although not the proximate cause, did contribute by virtue
of the appellant’s presence upon the public highway, to loss of life. At the time of
this offense, the appellant’s driving privileges were revoked. Under these facts, we
cannot disagree with the trial court’s statement that “this person is one who feels like
the law does not apply to him.” In sum, we find these facts are appropriate for
determining the appropriate percentage of incarceration. Again, within the context
of DUI sentencing, the question is not the length of the sentence, but rather the
appropriate period of suspension above the minimum period of required
incarceration. The statutorily imposed sentence for a DUI conviction is 364 days;
the trial court imposed an incarceration period of 270 days. For these reasons, we
are unable to conclude that the appellant has met his burden of showing that the
sentence imposed by the trial court is excessive. Upon de novo review, we affirm
the period of incarceration ordered by the trial court.
8
II. Forfeiture of John Deere Tractor
Next, the appellant argues that the trial court erred by ordering the
confiscation of the John Deere tractor under the applicable 1995 provisions of Tenn.
Code Ann. § 55-10-403(k). In support of this contention, the appellant avers that:
(1) Section 55-10-403(k) (1995 Supp.) is only applicable to “titled” vehicles, thereby
excluding his John Deere tractor; (2) he was not given notice, pursuant to Tenn.
Code Ann. § 55-10-403(g), at the time of his prior convictions of the possibility of
forfeiture upon subsequent DUI convictions; (3) the State acted in bad faith
regarding the forfeiture; and (4) the appellant is entitled to reimbursement for costs
of repair to the tractor subsequent to the accident.
The challenged provision at issue in the present case reads in pertinent part:
The judge hearing a third or subsequent violation of § 55-10-401, or
the third or subsequent violation of any combination of violations of §
55-10-401 and driving while intoxicated violations committed in other
states, shall declare the vehicle used in the commission of such
offense to be contraband and subject to forfeiture as provided in this
subsection.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-403(k)(1) (emphasis added).
We note that this is a case of first impression. We have been unable to
locate any appellate decision which construes the term “vehicle” within the context
of the DUI forfeiture statute.7
7
In this regard, we wish to emphasize that this decision may be both a case of first and
last imp ression as the ch allenged statutory forf eiture prov ision has since be en am ended .
Accordingly, the opinion of this court in the present case addresses only the challenged forfeiture
provision effective a t the time of the offe nse. See Tenn . Code A nn. § 55- 10-403 (k) (199 5 Supp ).
We acknowledge that the provision challenged in this appeal has since been entirely rewritten by
our legislature, presumably to rectify the plethora of potential constitutional challenges arising
from the plain lang uage o f the form er forfeiture provision a t issue in this a ppeal. See Tenn. Code
Ann. § 55-10-403(k) (1996 Supp.) (effective date January 1, 1997). Although the revised
provision appears to render any future constitutional challenges to the statute moot, this court
makes no effort to construe or interpret the amended provisions nor does this court make any
attem pt to form ulate any op inion relating to the oper ation and validity of the am ended statute.
9
A. Forfeiture Limited to Titled Vehicles
Judicial construction of a forfeiture statute is appropriate where reasonable
minds could differ with respect to the interpretation to be given the statute. 37
C.J.S. Forfeitures § 6(b) (1997). The appellant asks this court to construe the term
“vehicle,” as used in subdivision (k)(1) of the applicable 1995 provision, infra
Appendix I, consistent with the remaining provisions of section 55-10-403(k) which
refer solely to “titled” vehicles. After a thorough analysis of the challenged provision
and the applicable rules of statutory construction, we agree that the forfeiture
provision contained in the 1995 version of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-403(k) is
restricted to the forfeiture of those vehicles which can or must be titled in the State
of Tennessee.
It is well-established in the United States, including the State of Tennessee,
that “[f]orfeitures are not favored by the law.” Redd v. Tennessee Dept. of Safety,
895 S.W.2d 332, 335 (Tenn. 1995); Hays v. Montague, 860 S.W.2d 403, 406
(Tenn. App.), perm. to appeal denied, (Tenn. 1993). Additionally, the public policy
of this state, as expressed in the state constitution, opposes forfeitures for
convictions of crimes unless specifically provided. Id. at 408 (citing Whisnant v.
Byrd, 525 S.W.2d 152 (Tenn. 1975); Fields v. Met. Life Ins. Co., 147 Tenn. 464, 249
S.W. 798 (1923)). When a statute does provide for a forfeiture, the statute must be
strictly construed. Redd, 895 S.W.2d at 335; Hays v. Montague, 860 S.W.2d at
406 (citing Williams v. City of Knoxville, 220 Tenn. 257, 416 S.W.2d 758 (1967);
Biggs v. State, 207 Tenn. 603, 341 S.W.2d 737 (1960)).
For a statute to be construed as producing a forfeiture, the statute’s language
must clearly show an intent to do so. See 37 C.J.S. Forfeitures § 8(b). The general
rule is that “since forfeitures are not favored . . . they will not be given effect to,
except by the express terms of a statute, and where the facts which purport to
require such action come clearly and plainly within the provisions of the law .”
10
Commonwealth v. Crosby, 568 A.2d 233, 237 (Pa. Super. 1990) (quoting 37 C.J.S.
Forfeitures, § 5(a) (emphasis added)). Thus, a statue may not and cannot be
construed to forfeit one’s property, unless from the very terms of the statute itself, it
is manifest that the legislature so intended; and statutes shall not be held to forfeit
property except for the fault of the owner or his agents unless such a construction is
unavoidable. See generally United States v. Harris, 177 U.S. 305, 309, 20 S. Ct.
609, 611 (1900); 36 AM . JUR . 2D Forfeitures and Penalties §8. In other words, the
construing court may not interpret a statute imposing a forfeiture or penalty to
include within its scope any act, person, or property not plainly or fairly intended to
be included. Id.
In construing the meaning of “vehicle” in Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-403(k)(1)
(1995 Supp.), the court must read the challenged term in the context of the statute
in its entirety in order to give consistent and reasonable interpretation to the term.
See Cohen v. Cohen, 937 S.W.2d 823, 827 (Tenn. 1996). The subparts to
subdivision (k), expressly provide for the mandatory procedure to be utilized when
pursuing a forfeiture under this section, infra Appendix I, including classification of
interest holders in a vehicle, notice requirements and bond requirements pending a
forfeiture proceeding. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-10-403(k)(1) (A)-(E); 55-10-403(k)(2);
55-10-403(k)(7)(A)(i)-(iii) (1995 Supp.). These provisions ensure notice to all
owners and possessors of “titled” vehicles, provide for an opportunity to respond,
and set forth the burden of proof of each party at the hearing. See infra Appendix I.
It is clear from the language of these subparts that only “titled” vehicles are
encompassed within the mandated forfeiture procedures.
There is no procedure in the 1995 statute for the forfeiture of “untitled”
vehicles. Specifically, the challenged provision does not afford notice to the
11
innocent third party interest holder in the seized property.8 If forfeiture of an
“untitled” vehicle, such as a farm tractor, is permitted, as suggested by the State,
the absentee farm owner, the innocent bailor or purchaser, or a party holding a
security interest in the property would be divested of their interest without notice or
opportunity to be heard. We do not believe that the legislature intended such harsh
results.
Statutory authority empowering the State to seize and forfeit private property
inherently carries with it an obligation to insure that the power is not abused.9 Redd,
895 S.W.2d at 335. Incidental to this obligation is the court’s duty not to construe a
8
Altho ugh not ra ised by eithe r part y and n ot at is sue in the p rese nt ap pea l, we fin d it
necessary for a complete understanding of our analysis to address the due process concerns
corollary to the interpretation of the ch allenged provision.
Procedural due process under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States
Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Tennessee Constitution prohibits the forfeiture of
private pro perty withou t notice of fo rfeiture rea sonab ly calculated, u nder all the c ircum stance s, to
apprise interested parties of th e pend ency of the action an d to afford them an oppo rtunity to
presen t their objec tions. See United S tates v. Ja mes Daniel G ood R eal Prop erty, 510 U.S. 43,
48,114 S.Ct. 492 , 498 (19 93) (citation s om itted); Redd, 895 S.W .2d at 334-335 (citations omitted);
see also Matthews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S . 319, 96 S .Ct. 893 (1 976); 37 C.J.S. Forfeitures § 20.
Subjec t to few judic ially carved ex ceptions , see, e.g., Calero-Toledo v. Pearson Yacht Leasing
Co., 416 U.S. 663, 94 S. Ct. 2080 (1974), it is essential that before a forfeiture is imposed that the
reco rd rev eal all in teres ts in th e veh icle at the tim e of th e com mis sion of the crim e, inc luding legal,
equ itable , and poss ess ory inte rests to en sure fair pla y to the innoc ent th ird pa rty, to p rotec t his
use and p oss ess ion of prop erty fro m a rbitra ry enc roac hm ent, a nd to min imize subs tantiv ely unf air
or mis taken d eprivations of prope rty. See Jam es Da niel Goo d Rea l Property , 510 U.S. at 58, 114
S.Ct. at 50 0-501; Crosby, 568 A.2d at 241.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-403(k)(2)(1995 Supp.) directs the trial judge, after determining
that the veh icle is subje ct to forfeitur e, to notify the de partm ent of sa fety to determ ine the se curity
or possessory interests existing in the vehicle. Based upon this information, the trial judge is then
requ ired to send notic e by ce rtified ma il to any “ other owners and/or lienholders of record.” Id.
(emphas is added). This procedure exp licitly encompas ses the rights of innocent interest holders
of “titled” vehicles. The provisions of the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Title and Registration Law
requiring persons to register their automobiles with the state provides a means of identifying the
owner of a motor vehicle if negligently operated to the damage of other persons and as a means
of notifying “all the world” of a ll interest holde rs in the au tomo bile. See State v. Booher, No.
01C0 1-9604 -CC-0 0131 (T enn. Cr im. Ap p. at Nas hville, Aug. 22 , 1997), reh’g denied, (Sept. 18,
199 7). H owe ver, n ot all “m otor v ehic les” a re req uired to be regis tered or titled . As e xem plified in
the present case, a farm tractor is not required under current Tennessee law to be registered or
titled. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-3-101(a)(3)(1993). The forfeiture provision at issue does not
provide a meth od of as suring re asona ble notice to all interest hold ers of an “untitled” veh icle. In
fact, it is uncertain whether a party seeking forfeiture, or the trial court, as provided in subsection
(k)(2), could ascertain the identity of all innocent but interested parties in the property even upon a
diligent and time consuming inquiry. The impossibility of fulfilling, as to “untitled” vehicles, the
notice requirements of the Fifth Amendment is further complicated by the foreclosing of any
opportu nity to subse quently attac k the for feiture afte r the statuto ry hearing. See Tenn. Code Ann.
§§ 55-10-403(k)(3); 55-10-403(k)(10) (1995 Supp.). In other words, the forfeiture is final as to any
innocent third-party interest holders in the property regardless of whether they had received
notice. Thus, an innocent third party interest holder in “untitled” property is prohibited from
protecting his interes t from f orfeiture.
9
See supra footnote 3 (discussion of due process rights of innocent third party interest
holders in property).
12
statute as imposing a forfeiture when a statutory term is capable of two
constructions. See generally 37 C.J.S. Forfeitures § 6. See, e.g., State v. Stagno,
739 P.2d 198, 201 (Alaska App.), reh’g denied, (1987) (holding that statute
authorizing forfeiture, following a DUI conviction, of motor vehicle of type for which a
driver’s license is required does not apply to an air boat operated on land). The
power of the government to deprive a citizen of his property by forfeiture must rest
on the plain language of the statutory provision, and cannot be found in any
supposed inherent or common law judicial power. Crosby, 568 A.2d at 237
(citations omitted). Again, the challenged provision before this court does not
provide for procedures to be followed regarding “untitled” vehicles. Under the
maxim of statutory interpretation, expressio unius est exclusio alterius, i.e., the
expression of one thing is the exclusion of another, and rules of interpretation
applicable to forfeiture and penalty provisions, see discussion supra, we are unable
to expand the forfeiture provision of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-403(k)(1995 Supp.) to
include “untitled” vehicles, such as, in the case sub judice, a farm tractor. For these
reasons, we hold that the applicable 1995 provisions of Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-
403(k) expressly limit the forfeiture of vehicles used in the commission of a third or
subsequent DUI to those vehicles which are “titled” within the State of Tennessee.10
B. Remaining Issues Attacking the Validity of the Forfeiture
The appellant also contests the validity of the forfeiture of his John Deere
tractor arguing that, since one of his prerequisite convictions occurred in 1990, prior
to the enactment of the forfeiture provision, the provision operates ex post facto
against him.11 Following the same rationale, he contends that, at the time of his first
10
Aga in, we em pha size th at ou r hold ing as to the interp retat ion of the te rm “veh icle” is
expressly limited to the term as used in the context of the 1995 DUI forfeiture provisions. We do
not expan d this interpr etation to the 1996 re visions of the DU I forfeiture p rovision. See supra
footnote 4.
11
We do not dispute the validity of the appellant’s ex pos t facto argument. However, even
if the provision operates ex pos t facto, there is nothing in the law to prohibit an ex pos t facto
forfeiture. Moreover, although in force on the date of the present offense, this provision has since
13
DUI conviction, he could not have been provided with notice of the possibility of
subsequent forfeiture if convicted in the future of the same offense.12 See Tenn.
Code Ann. § 55-10-403(g)(1). Additionally, the appellant asserts that the “[f]orfeiture
of [his] farm tractor in this case is entirely punitive,” that he is entitled to
compensation for the extensive repairs made to the tractor, and that the State
initiated the forfeiture proceedings in bad faith. Because of our holding that a farm
tractor, being an “untitled” vehicle, is not encompassed within the applicable 1995
forfeiture provisions, we find it unnecessary to address the appellant’s remaining
contentions.
Conclusion
After a review of the record, the applicable statutory provisions, and the law,
we affirm the sentence imposed by the trial court. However, as we have concluded
that the challenged 1995 provision of the DUI forfeiture statute does not encompass
a farm tractor as a vehicle subject to seizure, the order of the trial court mandating
the forfeiture of the appellant’s John Deere tractor is reversed. Possession of the
John Deere tractor is restored to the appellant. This case is remanded to the trial
court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
____________________________________
DAVID G. HAYES, Judge
been a men ded, ther eby rende ring any futu re argum ent on this issue m oot. See Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 55-10-403(k)(2) (1996 Supp.).
12
The appe llant a lso de nies notic e of th e pot entia l of fut ure f orfe iture a t the tim e of h is
secon d convic tion. Id. The recor d befo re us is void of a ny proo f which supp orts the appe llant's
factual allegation that he was not provided notice of possible forfeiture upon his second DUI
conviction . This bu rden res ts with the ap pellant. Th us, this claim is without m erit.
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CONCUR:
_______________________________
DAVID H. WELLES, Judge
_______________________________
THOMAS T. W OODALL, Judge
APPENDIX I
Tenn. Co de Ann. § 55-10-403(k ) (1995 Supp.) , provides in part:
(1) The judge hearing a third or subsequent violation of § 55-10-401, or the third or
sub seq uen t violatio n of a ny com binat ion of violatio ns of § 55- 10-4 01 an d driv ing w hile
intoxicated violations committed in other states, shall declare the vehicle used in the
com mis sion of su ch of fens e to b e con traba nd an d sub ject to forfe iture a s pro vided in
this subsection.
(A) If the ve hicle is titled in the n am e of th e off end er, wh o is th e sole
unencumbered owner, the vehicle shall be forfeited by the court if the
owner committed the violation using the vehicle.
(B) If the vehicle is titled in the name of one(1) or more person(s)
who is not the o ffen der, a nd th e veh icle is n ot ren ted o r leas ed by a
person or company regularly in the business of renting or leasing
vehicles or driven by an employee of the owner, the vehicle, or an
interest in the vehicle, shall be declared forfeited by the court if the
owner or co-owner knew of and consented to the illegal or intended
illegal use of such vehicle.
(C) If the vehicle is titled in the name of a person or company which
is in the business of renting or leasing vehicles, the vehicle shall be
forfeited if the renting or leasing agent knew of and consented to the
illegal or intended illegal use.
(D) If the vehicle is a commercial vehicle or common carrier and the
offe nde r is an em ployee of the own er, the vehic le sha ll be fo rfeite d if
the employer knew of and consented to the illegal or intended illegal
use. Such forfeiture does not apply to cargo or products, not
otherwise subject to confiscation under any other laws of the state or
federal government, transported by such vehicle. Such cargo or
products shall, upon request, immediately be made available for
release to the own er or the tra nsporting agent.
(E) If the ve hicle is titled in the n am e of a pers on w hos e inte rest is
sub ject to forfe iture a s pro vided in this s ubs ectio n, bu t the ve hicle is
subject to a security interest acquired in good faith, the interest of the
secured party shall be forfeited if the holder of the interest had
knowledge of, at the time the interest attached, and consented to the
illegal or intended illegal use of the vehicle.
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(2) If the judge hearing a third or subsequent violation of § 55-10-401, or the third or
sub seq uen t violatio n of a ny com binat ion of violatio ns of § 55- 10-4 01 an d driv ing w hile
intoxicated violations co mm itted in other s tates, dete rmine s that a ve hicle is sub ject to
forfeiture pursuant to this subsection, such judge shall notify or cause to be notified
the department of safety, motor vehicle division, to determine whether the person
using the vehicle to commit such offense is the sole unencumbered owner of such
vehicle. If such person is not the sole unencum bered owner of the vehicle, the court
shall send a copy of a conditional order of forfeiture by certified mail to any other
owners and/or lienholders of record. A copy of the conditional forfeiture order shall be
open to the public for inspection.
(3) A ny per son or co rpor ation claim ing an y vehic le forf eited purs uan t to this
subsection may, not later than thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the
conditional order of forfeiture, file with the court a claim in writing, requesting a
hearing and statin g such person ’s or corp oration’s inte rest in the ve hicle. Failure to
file such a claim within the time specified shall, without exception, constitute a waiver
of such claim. An indigent person may file such person’s claim in forma pauperis by
filing with such person’s claim an affidavit stating that such person is unable to bear
the cost of the proceeding. The court shall conduct a hearing on the claim as soon as
practicable after the time within which to file a claim has expired and shall notify the
claima nt of suc h date. . . .
(4) At each claim hearing authorized in this subsection, the state shall have the
burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the vehicle was used in a
manner making it subject to forfeiture under the provisions of this subsection, and that
the c laim ant e ither h as c om mitte d the requ ired n um ber o f offe nse s or th e claim ant’s
interest was subject to forfeiture as provided in subdivision (k)(1). Failure to carry the
burden of proof shall operate as a bar to any forfeiture hearing hereund er.
(5) If the ruling of the court is favorable to the claimant, the court shall rescind the
conditional order of forfeiture. If the ruling of the court is adverse to the claimant, the
cou rt sha ll proc eed as to suc h veh icle in a cco rdan ce w ith the prov isions of this
subsection.
(6) W hen ever in any p roce eding unde r this s ubs ectio n a cla im is filed fo r any v ehic le
conditionally forfeited as provided in this subsection, the court shall not allow the
claim unles s and until th e claim ant p rove s tha t suc h claim ant h as a le gal int eres t in
such vehicle as owner or otherwise, which such claimant acquired in good faith.
(7)(A) Pending any proceeding to forfeit a vehicle or the interest of any person in a
vehicle, any owner, co-owner, or secured party may obtain immediate possession of
the vehicle by submitting to the jurisdiction of the court and by posting a bond as
established by the court. The court shall establish bond as follows:
(i) If the person has an interest under subdivision (k)(1)(B), the NADA
retail value of the vehicle;
(ii) If the person has an interest under subdivision (k)(1)(C) or
(k)(1)(D), one thousand do llars. . . or;
(iii) If the person has an interest under subdivision (k)(1)(E), the
NAD A value o f the vehic le less the v alue of the security intere st. . . .
(B) Any owner, co-owner, or secured party which fails to produce the vehicle at the
time of an order or final forfeiture, or to tender to the court the value of the interest
whic h is fo rfeite d, sh all hav e the bond post ed w ith the cour t forfe ited in lieu of and in
the same manner as such vehicle.
(8) At all hearings provided for by this subsection, the court shall cause a record of
the eviden ce add uced a t such h earing to b e taken and m aintained. . . .
(9) The action of the court is subject to review in the same manner as is provided by
law or rule for appeals from other determinations of the court conducting the hearing.
...
(10) If no claim is interposed, the court shall enter a final order of forfeiture, such
vehicle shall be forfeited without further proceedings and the same shall be seized by
the sheriff . . . and sold as provided herein. The above procedure is the sole remedy
of any claimant and no court shall have jurisdiction to interfere therewith by replevin,
injunction, supersedeas or in any other man ner.
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(11) If the court’s order of forfeiture is affirmed on appeal . . . the vehicle shall be
seized . . . and sold . . . .
(12) . . .The procee ds from the sale o f such v ehicle sh all be allocate d . . . .
(13) No ve hicle s hall be forfe ited, s old, o r othe rwise dispo sed of un til the p erso n is
con victed of the requ ired n um ber o f offe nse s for whic h for feitur e of s uch vehic le is
authorized.
(14) . . . if the ruling o f the cou rt is favorab le to the claim ant, the co urt shall delive r to
the claim ant the ve hicle so s eized. . . .
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