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I had items stolen by my tenant out of a common garage ...
Sent to Legal Experts December 15 11:45 AM

I had items stolen by my tenant out of a common garage laundry room. I don't have proof of ownership that was lost in katrina. the pictures i had have disappeared I have seen some of the items but not all how can i go about getting them back;

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
December 15 11:51 AM (6 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hello,

This would be a civil case and criminal case, you have a couple of options. Your first step is to call the police and file a theft report. Make a list of all the items that you know for a fact is missing and try to determine the value of them. Let the police know you have seen the items in the other tenets home. The police will start a criminal case on it right away. Next is small claims court, very simple less formal then a regular court setting. You go in plead your case and ask for a judgment. The judge will listen to your side and the other gentleman's side as well as look at any evidence of the case and make a ruling. If a criminal case is filed and they are found guilty you have a great chance of winning in civil court............you have the right to ask for a judgment for your damages if any of the items are not returned.

You can do this by going to the clerk of courts and asking for a hearing. The downside is you are limited to how much you can sue for....generally around less then 4,000.

Your other option is to get a civil lawyer to pursue a case in civil court. he can argue the case for you and you are not limited what you can ask for as a judgment.

Walter


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