Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Legal responsibilites of person items after being arrested.

Is my son legally responsible for items left with him when his friend was arrested?? His friend was arrested for warrants and is now serving 3.5 years, when this happend she released her car and items in the car to my son to return to her family. My son retruned the car and now 1.5 months later we are contacted by the Father saying that the girls cell phone was not returned and that he wants me to reimburse him the full purchase amount of the phone ( $350.00 ). I have offered to go an purchase the same phone ,but they claimed they really need the cash amount so they can fund her prison account. Is my son even liabile in this stituation??


Asked on 6/19/09, 1:00 pm

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

Re: Legal responsibilites of person items after being arrested.

Ignore them.

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Answered on 6/19/09, 1:06 pm
Brian McGinity McGinity Law Office

Re: Legal responsibilites of person items after being arrested.

Under certain conditions one can be responsible for the property of another when left in their possession. However, from what you have explained it appears as though no one really knows if the cell phone was part of the property you son was holding. I do not believe your son is liable for anything under the facts you have explained. Good Luck!

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Answered on 6/19/09, 5:13 pm
Jerold M. Gorski Law Offices of Jerold M. Gorski

Re: Legal responsibilites of person items after being arrested.

Bailment is the legal term. Gather and keep all evidence in case they do try to pursue this (including making notes of conversations as soon after the conversation as possible).

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Answered on 6/20/09, 3:40 am


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