legal problem!!?

Question

A couple months back i traded my guitar amp and drums to someone for there car, however when we got there it was late it was dark as well so i was just in a hurry to get home My mom made the guy write up a bill of sale just in case anything went wrong. he gave us the tittle it was a bit damp but it had rained that morning and he told us it had got a little wet, just let it dry. so we figured everything was alrgiht, again, it was dark so when he showed it to us everything looked cool. he kept telling us He wanted us to put the plates from my moms car on his and just take the car with us home. My mom started getting a bit nervious so she did not want to sign anything until she got everything done at the dmv. later at home she tells me that someone tryed to wash off the name on the tittle! he contenued to tell us he would get a clean tittle but didnt. so i just lost out on like 1500 worth of equiptment. i have proof of letters and copys of bill of sale + tittle, can i sue him???

Answer 1

Okay...I am not a lawyer but I have bought several cars in my lifetime and I don't know what kind of deal your mom and you were talked into but it does sound a little shady.
First off (for future reference), when buying a car you need to check that the vin number on the car (and all other info) matches the one on the title. The seller should sign the title to you in your presence. A Bill of Sale is always a good idea but it should be one thats includes all the specific information of the vehicle you're buying (i.e. vin number, make, model, year, etc. See your states DMV website for a sample) If you're buying a used vehicle it should already have license plates on the vehicle (you can check if the plates are correct by referring to the numbers on the title)these plates stay on the car. I suggest you check out the following website (http://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history.php) type in the vin number and it'll give you specific info on the vehicle, it will tell you if it is stolen. If it is clean and all numbers check out ... you will have to apply for a title transfer by fillling out an application (take all documentation) at your local Tax Assessor's Office or a similar location. There will be a charge for this, based on the tax on the blue book value of the car and other fees. If it is not clean and the results turn out it is stolen.. immediately report it to the authorities, you may be in possesion of a stolen vehicle. If you can not obtain a title transfer (because the title was tampered with) and he will not or can not obtain a clean one, then get yourself a lawyer he can counsel you as to what to do. I'm hoping this person gave you his real name and contact info...good luck!

Answer 2

I ran into a problem similar to this a while back. A couple of things...was the contract between you and him, or him and your mom? If it was you and him and you are a minor, some states allow a minor to back out of a contract, verbal or written. Look into it. Also, it is illegal to alter a title in many states. You should first contact your local police agency. It wouldn't hurt to call DMV and a lawyer. You can sue anyone, pretty much anytime for anything in small claims court. Winning depends on how well you prove your case.

Answer 3

Sue him? No. First thing you do is call the police to find out if the car is stolen. In all states it is a crime to forge or falsify auto titles. So they'll take care of your friend too.

Answer 4

Sure can, take him to small claims with the title, your mother and any other info you gained from him and head to court. If it is found that he altered or tried to alter the title the judge can/will refer him to the police for fraud or tampering charges

Answer 5

I would think so definitely go for it.