Legal Question in Banking Law in California

Joint Bank Account

I am currently going thru a divorce, and when I was served the divorce papers, I soon removed money from a jointly held back account. My soon to be ex told the bank that I did'nt have any rights to make the withdrawal. So the bank gave my soon to be ex the money back. The bank send me a letter stating they wanted me to return the money. I told them that I was a joint owner of the account and I had the right to remove what was in the account. Well i though that was the end of it. Until last Sunday night, Six police showed up at my door at 2:00 am and told me that they have a warrant for my arrest. the charges 502--name removed--c7pc 487(a)pc, 530.5(a)pc This action was taken aganist me by my soon to be ex wifes attorney. My first question is isn't this a civil matter and not a criminal one. I removed the money from the account via internet banking which my soon to be ex and I opened the internet part of our account back in 1999. I even have a letter from the bank thanking me for using the banking on line service. Can you please shed some light on this issue. Did I have the right to remove the money from the account that was held in join with my soon to be ex. thank you.


Asked on 5/12/06, 4:05 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Joint Bank Account

Another individual from the Beach Cities area has been in contact with me on a very similar matter. Whether or not you still need a criminal defense attorney, I would like to ask you something about your case. Won't you please contact me.

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Answered on 5/14/06, 3:02 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Joint Bank Account

It ought to be a civil matter, but obviously you are facing criminal charges and they need to be taken seriously. Of course, if she had done this to you, and you had gone to the police, you would have been laughed out of the police station.

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Answered on 5/12/06, 11:32 pm


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