Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

i reported my car stolen last march, i got a call from Lapd to have my car pick up at certain tow yard, today jul 17, i talk to person in charge of towing and told me i have to pay towing and some fees totaling &246 plus 36 per additional day. My question now is do i really have to pay those charges when my car was stolen abd reportedd to the police agency

Asked on 7/20/10, 1:51 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

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You can turn in a claim to the Victim Compensation Fund, or your own auto insurance carrier, and see if they will reimburse you.

Answered on 7/20/10, 5:01 pm

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Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

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I'm afraid so. If the thief is ever prosecuted he will probably be ordered to refund this money to you as restitution. You also have the option of suing him for it, as well as for any damage to your car and any additional costs you reasonably incurred as a result. In the meantime, though, someone has to pay this bill. There is no reason the taxpayers should pay it for you, and the towing service does not have to work for free.

One caveat: if the car has been there a long time (your question doesn't say whether it just got there, whether it has been there for March, or whether the answer is somewhere in between) and the operator did not take reasonable steps to find you quickly, you may not have to pay for some of the daily charges.

Answered on 7/20/10, 5:03 pm

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