State v. Pythian Sisters, Inc.
State v. Pythian Sisters, Inc.
Opinion of the Court
The state of Florida has brought a plenary appeal
Contrary to the trial court’s ruling, Section 933.14, Florida Statutes (1979) is the pertinent statute applicable to these proceedings. Section 933.14(1) permits a claimant of contraband to show “upon sworn petition and proof submitted” that the seized contraband was “held, used, or possessed in a lawful manner”.
We find that although their petition was unsworn, claimants satisfied compliance with the statutory provisions by presenting sworn testimony that they were charitable organizations licensed under Section 849.-093, Florida Statutes (1979) to conduct bingo games. There was no evidence that the items seized were used in bingo games. The trial court correctly found the items seized did not violate statutory provisions and ordered their return.
Certiorari denied.
. The state previously filed a petition for writ of certiorari which was denied. State of Florida v. Pythian Sisters, Inc., 382 So.2d 905 (Fla. 3d DCA 1980).
. Seized were all mixers with balls, display boards, devices used to mark cards, public address system, closed circuit television cameras with monitors, and United States currency.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.