[1] Richard Lyle Austin was indicted for violating South Dakota's drug laws.

[2] He pleaded guilty to one count of possession cocaine with intent to distribute and was sentenced to seven years in jail.

[2] The United States then filed an in rem action, seeking forfeiture of Austin's mobile home and auto body shop under federal statutes that provide for forfeiture of property that is used or intended for use to facilitate the transportation of controlled substances, or related materials.

[3] Austin argued that forfeiture of his property would violate the Eighth Amendment's Excessive Fines Clause.

[4] In an opinion written by Justice Harry Blackmun, the Court held that civil forfeiture proceedings are "subject to the limitations of the Eight Amendment's Excessive Fines Clause.