The primary question in this forfeiture case is whether the trial court erred in dismissing Bruce Jones’ answer and entering judgment of forfeiture based on Jones’ failure to include in his answer information required by the forfeiture statute. We conclude that the trial court acted properly and thus affirm.
The State of Georgia filed a complaint seeking forfeiture of cocaine, marijuana, a Lincoln Towncar and its electrical components, and $622 seized by law enforcement officers when they stopped Jones as he drove the Towncar with what they suspected were illegally tinted windows. Jones answered the complaint, claiming ownership of the car, its components, and the money but denying any knowledge of the drugs and all other allegations contained in the complaint. The State moved to dismiss Jones’ answer, contending that the pleading did not meet the requirements of OCGA § 16-13-49 (o) (3). After a hearing, the trial court granted the State’s motion to dismiss the answer. Shortly thereafter, the trial court entered judgment of forfeiture. This appeal follows.
1. At the outset we note that the form of Jones’ pro se brief does not comply with the rules of this court. The sequence and content of *769 his nine enumerations of error bear little resemblance to the sequence and content of the ten arguments made in his brief. Many of the arguments are intermingled, and others are completely unrelated to any of the enumerated errors.
This court requires that there be a direct and logical relationship between the enumerations of error and the arguments contained in the briefs. Court of Appeals Rule 27 (c) (1). We created the requirements as to the form of appellate briefs not to provide an obstacle, but to aid parties in presenting their arguments in a manner most likely to be fully and efficiently comprehended by the court.
Aldalassi v. Drummond,
2. The trial court did not err in dismissing Jones’ answer as insufficient. The sufficiency of an answer to a forfeiture petition must be judged in light of the specific statutory requirements.
Dennis v. State of Ga.,
The pleading requirements of the forfeiture statute have been strictly construed by our courts.
Jett v. State of Ga.,
3. Jones asserts that no answer was required because the affidavit the State filed with the complaint was not sufficient and the complaint, therefore, was not valid. Specifically, he states that the affidavit was not made by someone with personal knowledge of the facts supporting the forfeiture.
The statute requires that a complaint for forfeiture be “verified on oath or affirmation by a duly authorized agent of the state in a manner required by the laws of this state.” OCGA § 16-13-49 (o) (1).
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In this case, the assistant district attorney signed a verification in which he swore under oath that “the facts contained in the foregoing complaint for condemnation are true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief.” In proceedings brought under the forfeiture statute, a district attorney’s verification that the allegations are true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief is a proper verification by a duly authorized agent of the state.
Chester v. State of Ga.,
We note that the cases upon which Jones relies for his argument pertain to affidavits or evidence submitted in support of motions for summary judgment in tort or guardianship cases. See
Hill v. Loren,
4. Jones filed numerous motions challenging the forfeiture petition in the trial court, such as motions to suppress, to strike affidavit, to discover, to dismiss complaint, and to admit evidence. He argues that the trial court erred in not considering the motions. However, in the absence of a legally sufficient answer, the trial court was without authority to consider his motions. See
Tuggle v. State of Ga.,
Judgment affirmed.