Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

What she has done is criminal....it is theft. She knows the ring is not hers and yet she keeps it, that is no different from just taking it out of the shop. Threaten everyone with a criminal prosecution and see what happens. I tell my clients that it is the most effective way to get what you want because the penalties are greater than if you went to civil court.

Obviously, you want your original ring back for sentimental purposes that outweigh monetary value. BUT if they are really offering a SUBSTANTIALLY better ring to make you happy (and make you forget about THEIR mistake !!!!) maybe you should consider taking it to avoid what may become a messy headache.

Please reply if you wold like to discuss it further.

Mike Berman

I agree for the most part with the previous poster. You would bring a criminal complaint in the jurisdiction where the other woman unlawfully took possession of the ring. If you decide to go the criminal route, you will need to contact the police in that jurisdiction. In addition, the repair shop from which she took the ring may need to get on board in filing the criminal complaint since they witnessed her unlawfully taking possession. Hopefully, when she receives a criminal summons for the crime of theft she will wise up and do the right thing to avoid criminal prosecution. Better yet, perhaps the local police, as part of their "investigation," can actually take the ring into their possession. This may take some pressuring to get the police to do, as they are typically fond of deeming things "civil matters" when they are really also criminal matters.