My ATV needed some work done to it. I dont have a garage. Someone who I thought was my friend said they would help me fix it. Now they are saying it was stole. But neither one of their ATV (a lot more expensive also) were touched. Now I have learned that this person was trying to sell my ATV a couple days ago. (Which I had already figured.) I have 2 witnesses that claim the ATV was offered to them for $200-$300. Now what should be my first move?
2007-12-11 13:20:49 · 4 answers · asked by Rogers 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
request a copy of the police report and the home owners insurance reports from your "friend" If he can't produce them, tell him that if you don't have money in your hands to replace the "stolen" ATV that you will file a police report of theft, naming him as the suspect and the police can investigate. also ask for his home owners insurance and file a claim with them.
2007-12-11 13:28:57 · answer #1 · answered by Diane B 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell your friend that you are going to file a police report if he hasn't already filed one, and that he will probably be contacted by the police for information. At that point, he may come up with either a new story, or your ATV.
If not, your next step is to go to your local police or sheriff's department and give them all of the information, including the names of the witnesses. Tell them that you are definitely willing to prosecute. If they get enough evidence, they will file charges or they might recover the ATV. You may be asked to accept restitution (if not the full price, your "friend" may be given a chance to pay back the price of the ATV in payments or you may be asked to accept less) to drop the charges. Somehow people manage to come up with full restitution if they're looking at a criminal record or jail time. Of course, you won't have this person as a friend anymore and may have to watch out for his other "friends."
Ask him if he has renters or homeowners insurance. If he lives with his parents or others, ask them if they have insurance. Check out your own insurance (renter, homeowner, parents' etc). It's possible that the theft might be covered by insurance. If an insurance company pays, it can also decide to investigate the theft and may end up filing charges itself.
2007-12-11 13:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by Neonzeus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the cops. You can probably sue them in small claims too. Get a written statement from the person who got the offer and have them talk to the cops, too.
Only lawyers can give legal advise. I am not a lawyer.
2007-12-11 13:32:15 · answer #3 · answered by Citizen1984 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them for a police report for the theft,if not call the law,and have your witnesses back you up.
2007-12-11 13:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by gummyworm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋