I had property stolen from me, which the police found about 1/2 of. 8 months later, they finally released everything back to me, except my laptop -- they say they need to go through it to see if the criminals accessed it in the time that that stole it. But, it could take another couple of MONTHS! Can I ask that they not bother to look through it and to just give it back? They don't think they turned it on anyway, and they've had it for so long. As well, I need this computer for work, I've been renting a computer and it makes me mad to think that I don't need to do this if I just got my own laptop back. I was just wondering if it was legally possible to request that.
2007-03-23 07:54:15 · 7 answers · asked by Aimee L 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Unfortunately your laptop is now evidence in an ongoing investigation, and you cannot get it back. Once the investigation has been completed, you can recover it.
2007-03-23 08:17:35 · answer #1 · answered by zebj25 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know who the dickslap is that thinks he needs to go through your laptop, but it is entirely unnecessary. Yes, you can request they give it back. They may not by claiming that it is evidence in an ongoing investigation, but a letter from your attorney should put a halt to that nonsense.
2007-03-23 14:59:58 · answer #2 · answered by endlessknowledge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure you can request it. The thing is that it is evidence and they don't have to release it until they are sure that it is of no further value to them.
One thing that you might try is telling them that they do not have your permission to search the computer ( they will have to conduct a search of the hard drive to determine access times/dates, etc ) and that you intend to sue them for violating your Fourth Amendment rights if they do so.
It might work or you might tick them off, so guage the officer you are talking to before using that one.
2007-03-23 14:59:04 · answer #3 · answered by Steve H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A request?Sure!Will you get it back any time soon?NO!Not until they've processed it.That is,after a proper dissection,peeling apart,and analyzation.When/if ever you should receive your property,don't expect it to operate."Link"
2007-03-23 15:04:34 · answer #4 · answered by Sweet Willy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its worth a shot. Don't be rude, pushy or bossy and ask nicely saying that it's very important you have it. It contains important files for school/work. The worst that can happen is they say NO! They CANNOT arrest you!
2007-03-23 14:58:25 · answer #5 · answered by totalERfanatic 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can request all you want but it is really up to them what they do with it. I've had a shirt and my purse taken from me for evidence and I've asked and they said they lost it. They won't reimburse me for the items they lost either. If they don't keep it themselves it goes up for auction.
2007-03-23 14:58:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can request anything you want.
Whether you'll actually get it..
2007-03-23 14:58:14 · answer #7 · answered by William S 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋