Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

A contractor friend did work for a couple who decided they didn't want him to finish the job. They are holding his tools (worth 10k) in their house because they want him to refund money to them so they can have someone else finish the job. Are they allowed to do this? Is there any legal way my friend can get his tools back? At the moment the couple went on a two month vacation. In the meantime my friend cannot work because they have his tools in their house. What should he do?

Thank you.


Asked on 7/25/10, 3:53 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Joel Salinger Law Office of Joel R. Salinger

Your friend should go to the police department and file a complaint. Next he should contact an attorney and sue the parties for the value of the tools and work completed. Then he should place a lien on the property as soon as possible.

He should not try this on his own.

Joel R. Salinger

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Answered on 7/25/10, 10:17 pm
Debra Palazzo Law Offices of Debra Palazzo, LLC

Under no circumstances does he enter the home and take the tools.

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Answered on 7/26/10, 5:31 pm


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