Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York
Thirty years after a robbery in which expensive jewelry was stolen, a man comes forward and publicly admits to committing the robbery. Can the victim file a civil action against the thief to recover the value of the stolen property?
Asked on 1/08/14, 8:09 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
David Slater
David P. Slater, Esq.
If he has the assets to pay a judgment, yes.
Answered on 1/09/14, 4:35 am
Kevin Connolly
Kevin J. Connolly
The civil side of theft is called "conversion." It carries a one year statute of limitations, which means that the victim can file (you can always file) but he will lose because the time period has lapsed. Even if the thief has been convicted.
Answered on 1/09/14, 9:50 pm