Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Jurisdiction - Civil or Criminal?

My family are decedents of Alaskan natives. We receive 2 annual dividends but my brother has been stealing my other brother�s share. Which court should hear this, criminal or civil? DoI sue in California or Alaska and in Civil or Criminal court? Thank you.


Asked on 6/16/09, 4:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Jurisdiction - Civil or Criminal?

This is probably both civil and criminal, but you don't get to sue anyone. If your brother is the victim, only he can sue. I would need more facts before I could say which state's courts would be the proper forum for such a suit; it is possible that the case could be brought in either state. It is also possible that the case could be brought in a federal court. Under the circumstances, a tribal court might be the appropriate forum.

Neither you nor your brother can bring a criminal case against the other brother. Only the government can do that. You can try to set the process in motion by notifying the authorities where the brother you believe is guilty lives.

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Answered on 6/16/09, 4:08 pm


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