Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Seeking the proper term:
What is it called when someone already has something that belongs to someone else, then uses it as leverage, say as "retribution" on behalf of someone else?
Case in point: Guy intends to buy a guitar from a friend. Friend let's him take it for a test spin.
After weeks of no contact, Guy decides he's going to keep it because he heard gossip about Friend that he dislikes through other friends, thus the retribution.
A proper term and possibly a course of action would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!

Asked on 6/13/11, 8:29 am

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Theft. Call the police.

Answered on 6/13/11, 9:39 am

BARRY BESSER LAW OFFICES OF BARRY I. BESSER

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Timothy is right in a criminal sense. In a civil sense, it is called conversion, and he can be sued to get it back, or the value of the item.

BARRY BESSER

www.besserlaw.com

Answered on 6/13/11, 9:41 am

Keywords

Match Any Match All

Country

State

Area of Law