Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Retrieval of Personal Belongings

I was living with a man for a while. After we broke up, I moved out and took as much stuff as I could fit into my car. When I came back for the rest of my things, (mainly expensive electronics) he refused to give them to me. I later called the local police to assist and he had everything moved out and hidden. I have the receipts to show I paid for these things with my credit card. He told the police that he gave me the cash to buy them. Since he did not have the things in his possession, they couldn't do anything about it. Now, he has everything out again and is using it. I want to catch him by surprise, but don't know what I can do legally? I am trying to avoid small claims because it's hard to take time off of work. Can I show up again with the police and my receipts?


Asked on 10/23/08, 10:42 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: Retrieval of Personal Belongings

You can certainly try. Unfortunately, there is a big gap between what the law says, and what police will often do. In many instances like yours, the police would like to see a court-order requiring him to turn over possessions before they will force him to do so. Otherwise, they become the arbiters of who is right and who is wrong - a position better reserved to the courts. I'd suggest going to Small Claims is the best chance you have at getting the relief you seek, or even going to Superior Court for an injunction requiring him to turn the items over - a police officer will have little choice but to enforce an order such as that. The Small Claims Court doesn't have the power to issue injunctive relief. Good luck - its a tough situation with no real easy answers.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 10/24/08, 1:53 pm
Nasir Butt Nasir Law Associates

Re: Retrieval of Personal Belongings

Reply of the Mr. David Gibb is realistic. Police cannot decide the right or wrong but only Court. Polce has to act in accordance to whatever Courts orders. You must go to Court to prove your case, then Police will help you.

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Answered on 10/29/08, 11:34 am


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