Which of the following documents justifies the legal basis for the seized property in a Texas forfeiture proceeding?

• A. Property appraisal
• B. Peace officer's sworn statement
• C. Court order
• D. Witness statement

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is that the basis for seizing property in a Texas forfeiture action comes from a sworn statement by a peace officer. This officer’s affidavit lays out the facts observed and connects the property to criminal activity or its status as proceeds or an instrument of crime. It provides a prima facie, under-oath factual foundation that the court can rely on to permit seizure and to initiate forfeiture proceedings. A property appraisal only determines value and doesn’t establish jurisdiction or authority to seize. A court order may authorize actions after the fact or later steps in the process, but it isn’t what justifies the initial seizure itself. A witness statement can be helpful but is not the formal, officer-made, sworn basis used to initiate forfeiture.