Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Failure to return vehicle becomes theft

I gave my car to a mechanic and paid him some money up front to do the work. He has had the car for three months, won't give me a final bill, and won't give me a parts list to prove he did the work. I want my car back but he isn't responding to voice mails I leave him or to e-mails I send. At what point does the contract go away and will he be commiting auto theft? Part of what I have prepaid is internal engine work that I can't verify he has done without a detailed list or an invoice from the machine shop he used. If I try to reclaim my car, will I have to pay regardless?


Asked on 9/29/06, 3:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
H.M. Torrey The Law Offices of H.M. Torrey

Re: Failure to return vehicle becomes theft

Your questions are a bit too numerous to answer completely here. However, in a nutshell, you are not obligated to pay the reasonable value of any work allegedly performed unless the mechanic at issue can satisfactorily prove the work was actually done. A legal demand letter from an experienced attorney should remedy this unfortunate situation promptly and out of court. If you would like such affordable, professional assistance in this matter, contact us today for a free phone consultation.

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Answered on 9/29/06, 5:11 pm


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