United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee, v. Jerome E. Taylor, Sr., Claimant-appellant,and28.47 Acres of Land, More or Less, in Buckingham County, Onvirginia State Route 646, Mount Rush, Virginia, Andappurtenances Thereto and Proceeds from the Sale Thereof Andknown As the Residence of Jerome E. Taylor, Sr., Defendant, 873 F.2d 1441 (4th Cir. 1989)

The government brought this action pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881(a) (1) seeking forfeiture of land owned by Jerome E. Taylor. The complaint and a supporting affidavit were sent to Taylor by certified mail; however, he failed to file an answer. The government filed a motion for default judgment, and the motion was granted.

Taylor appealed the default judgment. He asserted first that the complaint did not state any material fact. To the contrary, the complaint contained all of the factual allegations required for forfeiture under Sec. 881(a) (6). Taylor further contended that the supporting affidavit was based on hearsay; this is irrelevant to the default. Finally, Taylor contended that he had been denied effective assistance of counsel. However, as this is a civil action, the Constitution does not guarantee counsel.

The district court's order is accordingly affirmed. The appellee's motion to dismiss is denied.^*  We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the material before the court and argument would not significantly aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED.