However, we conduct a de novo review of the trial court's application of the law to undisputed facts, owe no deference whatsoever to the trial court's conclusions of law, and are free to apply anew the legal principles to the facts.Crimley v. State of Ga. , 330 Ga.App. 639, 641, 768 S.E.2d 813 (2015) (citation and punctuation omitted). “In a civil in rem forfeiture action, a claimant's answer must be in strict compliance with the special pleading requirements of OCGA § 16–13–49 (o) (3).” Arreola–Soto v. State of Georgia , 314 Ga.App. 165, 166, 723 S.E.2d 482 (2012) ; see Sanders v. State , 259 Ga.App. 422, 425, 577 S.E.2d 94 (2003) (a forfeiture action under OCGA § 16–13–49 is a civil proceeding).