Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Theft of home by person with key; being threatened now!

The additional facts surrounding this incident have me concerned for my safety and liability; her safety and well-being; and especially her children's safety. She has a history of mental instability (paranoid personality disorder; suicide, etc.). She frequently gives drugs to her children to control them (Xanax,etc.);sells drugs (incl. Ritalin!);uses them at work (waitress).

She WILL NOT just return what she took and her responses make me fear what she is capable of doing.

1) What can I do to pursue any criminal charges against her for stealing things from my house? Is there someone I should speak with outside of the local police? (She is ''dating'' many of the officers! 2) What liability do I have concerning my knowledge of child abuse, neglect?

Am I obligated to report this? (I could not live with myself if anything happened and I didn't stop it!) 3) How would I go about reporting the drug use/abuse/selling at work (to employer?)

AND, Can I do any of this without ''destroying'' her life? Anonymously? - I prefer to help her but need to be careful to protect myself TOO!

Please help!!!!


Asked on 6/23/01, 10:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: Theft of home by person with key; being threatened now!

Slow down and calm down.

The police are probably using her as an informant. It's doubtful that they are stupid enough to be dating or using her in any other way.

Call your County Health and Welfare Department or whatever they call it in your county. The county will be running a home for children. Call there and find who you report it to. This is the agency that can look at the kids to see if they are being abused or fed any drugs that they shouldn't have.

On the burglary and the police. You have the option of reporting this matter directly to the D. A. I don't know exactly how you do it but I do know that if the police refuse to file on a case that can be done.

Change the locks on the doors, get a dog that barks at strangers, put up some motion detection lights, and buy a shotgun. Do one or all of these things.

Take lots of pictures of the kids (clothed), and any other evidence. So it's not just your word in court.

If you're being threatened take measures to protect yourself. Record telephone conversations. Save the ones in which your being threatened. P. C. 631 makes this a crime. But not when it's done in self defense. So don't abuse it.

You're correct. Kids are worth fighting for.

Read more
Answered on 6/29/01, 5:11 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California