81-5-108. Answer to allegations concerning use of property. Within 20 days after the service of the petition and summons or publication of the summons, as provided in 81-5-104, the owner or claimant of the seized property shall file a verified answer to the allegations concerning the use of the property contained in the petition to institute forfeiture proceedings. Only one 20-day extension of the time for filing the answer may be granted, and failure to answer within 20 days or within the 20-day extension bars the owner or claimants from presenting evidence at any subsequent evidentiary hearing unless extraordinary circumstances exist.

Terms Used In Montana Code 81-5-108

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Property: means real and personal property. See Montana Code 1-1-205
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.