Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

roommate theft, entire household contents.

I was sharing a house with a girl, when I had to leave suddenly.She was on a month to month agreement, and stated that she wanted to stay in the apartment but had no furniture.I liked and trusted the girl, so i told her I would give her the bed that was in her room, plus the dining table and chairs, the refrigerator and the sofa, if she would look after filling the other room and sorting out the ongoing rent. I would then arrange to either sell the other contents or have them shipped to my new location.She also promised that she would change the utilities into her name.

She has now sold over 20 thousand dollars worth of my belongings, she has failed to change the utilities running up huge debts in my name,and she is ordering more services, pretending to be me.

I am based in Ireland, she is based in Ventura California. What are my options, what are the costs involved, how long is the process and what would be the expected outcome.

Many thanks

Brian


Asked on 12/11/08, 6:14 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: roommate theft, entire household contents.

You want reality? You can sue, hiring an attorney here. Assuming you have evidence to prove all your claims you could get a judgment. You'd have to come here for the trial to testify, maybe also for a deposition. But, before spending money on this, consider whether there is any realistic expectation of collecting any judgment you might be able to get. Does she have substantial assets and income? No? If she has nothing, that is what you will get. Try to stop the bleeding. You need to notify all these creditors and people involved that she is responsible and committing fraud. Try to get them to reverse and waive charges against you. Report this to the police and try to get them to file criminal charges. If that occurs, the court might make her repay you as 'restitution'. You'd have to come here if it went to trial, maybe also if there was a 'Preliminary Hearing'. Filing a police report probably is necessary to assist in convincing creditors of the fraud. If you decide to take legal action, contact an attorney where she is. Call the local Lawyers Referral Service there for names if you can't find one otherwise.

I tried to give you useful info mate; I have a house near Cookstown, Co Tyrone, so you're a fellow Paddy.

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Answered on 12/11/08, 1:23 pm


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