Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Arizona

HOA Fraud

My HOA had their offices raided by the

police and the owner arrested for fraud.

Lately we have been having problems

with payment confirmations (we paid

three times on fees and insurance when

each time they said not enough was

paid. We eventually paid over $700 on a

$300 bill out of fear from them to put a

lien on our property) and I guess I can

see why. What are my rights and what

do I need to do to get information and

protect myself during this fiasco? Can

they still come after us for money

during their indictment for fraud?


Asked on 1/22/07, 1:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

James Jenkins Jenkins Law Center PLC

Re: HOA Fraud

People are presumed innocent until proven or adjudged guilty by the court, so their civil rights do not get extinguished by an indictment.

Evidence of a criminal case can be used in a civil case. A suit can be filed for damages. Who will pay if you win? Can you collect?

Your message says the HOA had their offices raided. Did you mean to say that the management company hired by the HOA, or was it actually as stated? If a management company, perhaps they have insurance to make a claim. If the HOA itself, you have setoff rights and other rights conferred in your CC&Rs.

See an attorney or get board members together who are innocent to determine your next step. Call a special meeting, and perhaps vote on a new board. The present board may have been asleep behind the wheel.

Good luck.

James D. Jenkins

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Answered on 1/22/07, 8:06 pm


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