Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

I need to clarify an earlier question. We found a canoe in a river which we assumed to be abandoned. It was trapped behind rocks and mostly underwater. After significant effortbto recover it, we found it to be in decent shape. We attempted to find the owner along the river and through lost and found with no response. Feel that a citation for misappropriation is not justified. If we have to prove our intent to find the owner, which we can do with copies of ou postings, maybe he should have to prove that he lost it and didn't just abandon it rather than risk the recovery. We don't care anything about the canoe, but threat of felony charges and having to prove our innocence is absurd.


Asked on 10/01/11, 4:57 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

As stated before, you committed a felony. There is no "finders keepers." You need a good criminal lawyer. When you find anything your duty under Georgia law is to give it to teh police. It does not matter if he lost it or stole it.

That was clearly stated to you before. You committed a felony and it is cut and dried. You mneed a lawyer. Posting it online to find the owner is NOT complying with state law. You have two choices. You can keep saying "absurd" and land in jail. Or you can get a lawyer.

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Answered on 10/01/11, 6:00 am
Lawrence Lewis Lawrence Lewis, P.C.

You may be correct. It may be absurd. Let me suggest it will be even more absurd if your economic opportunites are hampered by a felony conviction for the canoe on your record. Since you don't know the law on jury selection or impeachment, I would retain an attorney. See website on how to find the best attorney: www.lawrencelewispc.com Good luck.

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Answered on 10/01/11, 11:45 am


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