Georgia § 27-4-137 - Civil forfeiture proceedings.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-137 — Civil forfeiture proceedings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 27-4-137. Civil forfeiture proceedings.
Each boat, propulsion unit, net, door, boom, winch, cable, electronic device, or accessory equipment used in violation of Code Section 27-4-133 or 27-4-171 is declared to be contraband and forfeited to the state in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 16 of Title 9; provided, however, that: Forfeiture shall only be done in accordance with Code Section 9-16-12 and the property shall be described only in general terms; and The holder of any bona fide lien on the property shall be protected to the full extent of the lien, but only if the lien was perfected prior to the filing by the department of the affidavit provided for in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 27-4-134, provided that the state shall not be obligated beyond the proceeds of any such sale less the actual costs incurred. The Attorney General may, upon the request of the commissioner, aid the district attorney in the in rem proceeding arising from any seizure or confiscation of property. (Ga. L. 1953, Jan.-Feb. Sess., p. 491, § 6; Ga. L. 1955, p. 483, § 94; Ga. L. 1970, p. 961, § 1; Ga. L. 1973, p. 795, § 2; Ga. L. 1975, p. 428, § 1; Code 1933, § 45-902, enacted by Ga. L. 1977, p. 396, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 1729, § 11; Ga. L. 2012, p. 739, § 23/HB 869; Ga. L. 2015, p. 693, § 3-22/HB 233.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2015, p. 693, § 4-1/HB 233, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2015, and shall apply to seizures of property for forfeiture that occur on or after that date. Any such seizure that occurs before July 1, 2015, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such seizure." Law reviews. - For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2015).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 27-4-137
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-137 cover?
Section 27-4-137 ("Civil forfeiture proceedings.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 27-4-137?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 27-4-137" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 27-4-137 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.