Louisiana § RS 40:1026 - Contraband; condemnation proceedings
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1026 — Contraband; condemnation proceedings, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 40:1026. Contraband; condemnation proceedings
All instruments, devices, and objects which are seized after the effective date of this Section, on condemnation as being distributed or possessed in violation of this Part, may be destroyed by the authorities making the seizure, but only after compliance with the following procedure. Within ninety days after any seizure is made after the effective date of this Section, the district attorney shall institute condemnation proceedings in district court by petition, a copy of which shall be served upon the owner of the seized items, if known. If the owner is unknown, notice of the proceedings shall be published once a week for two weeks in the official journal of the parish. The petition shall allege that the seized items were distributed or possessed in violation of this Part. Fifteen days after the filing of the petition, judgment by default shall be entered by the court, and the court shall order the seized items to be destroyed. Otherwise, the case shall proceed as other civil cases in said court. If the prosecution proves, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the seized items were distributed or possessed in violation of the law, the court shall order the seized items to be destroyed.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 669, §1; Acts 2006, No. 676, §3, eff. July 1, 2006.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 40:1026
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1026 cover?
Section RS 40:1026 ("Contraband; condemnation proceedings") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. 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 Louisiana § RS 40:1026?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:1026" (Louisiana). 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 Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 40:1026 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.