Montana Title 81. Livestock § 81-5-109. Presumption--hearing--disposition of vehicle and other property

(1) There is a rebuttable presumption of forfeiture as to all property used for the theft or transportation of the livestock as provided in 81-5-104.

(2) If a verified answer to the petition is not filed within 20 days after the service of the petition and summons, the court upon motion shall order the property forfeited to the state.

(3) If a verified answer is filed within 20 days, a hearing on the petition for forfeiture must be set without a jury not less than 60 days after the answer is filed. Notice of the hearing must be given in the manner provided for service of petition and summons.

(4) If the court finds that a vehicle, money, equipment, or personalty was not used for the purpose charged or that it was used without the consent or knowledge of the owner, it shall order the property released to the owner of record on the date of the seizure. If the court finds that the vehicle, money, equipment, or personalty was used for the purpose charged and was used with the knowledge and consent of the owner, the property must be ordered forfeited.