About two years ago I put in a claim for a pair of earrings that was turned into the Security office's lost and found department at the hospital I worked for. After a few months of waiting for the owner to come forward no one showed and the jewelry was tuned over to me. They have been in my possession for about two years now and I want to know if I legally own them. Sounds silly but I need to know. You see, the turned out be worth quite a bit of money.
2007-11-30 05:28:47 · 7 answers · asked by Billy 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
possession is 9/10th of the law
2007-11-30 05:37:29 · answer #1 · answered by golfpoolbowling 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on State law.
Every State has a law about abandoned property and 'bailments'. The person who comes into possession of property that doesn't belong to him must take certain steps to take ownership of it.
A question though. You said "I put in a claim for a pair of earrings that was turned into the Security office's lost and found department at the hospital I worked for."
Were you the person who turned them in? If not, then they likely became the property of the finder, and the hospital may well have had no legal authority to give them to you.
Richard
2007-11-30 05:47:46 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe you owned them when they were turned over to you. However, morally should the owner come back at any point they should be returned to that person. But yay for you for doing the right thing in the first place!
2007-11-30 05:33:02 · answer #3 · answered by Lady 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your state.
As a general rule, you're fortunate that your workplace allowed you to have the earrings. Since you were on their property and working for them, you had no claim to them...the hospital did. :)
Since you've had them for two years, you are most likely safe. Without your listing a state, nobody can do anything but guess.
2007-11-30 05:56:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you owned them when the owner didn't show up and they were handed over to you.
By the way, kudos to you for even trying to find the rightful owner. Lots of people would have just taken them. We need more honest people like you! :)
2007-11-30 05:35:57 · answer #5 · answered by Hillary 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You made the effort, they were returned to you. I'd check with the local police to see if they were reported lost or stolen; after that, they are yours.
2007-11-30 05:42:36 · answer #6 · answered by wizjp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legally, if they are not claimed in 30 days, they are yours! Enjoy your windfall!
2007-11-30 05:33:16 · answer #7 · answered by Sally G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋