Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Stealing from roommate

Ok so here's my situation:

About a week ago my roommate found some items in my things beloning to her. I also informed her that I had a few more things that were hers, but that I would bring them back to her. I did that and then gave her $100 just to make things right. However, she was still missing 5 more items that I don't have in my possession, but because I wanted to move on from this sitation I asked for an estimate of how much the remaining stuff costed. She said that it came to about $197 and if I paid her another $100, we would be even. However, today she send me a msg saying that she will only accept her things back and not the money. Yesterday, before she said this I got her to sign a contract saying: Upon receipt of $200, I Blair (my roommate) do hereby acknowledge compensation for missing items/clothing and relinquish (my name) from any responsibility from any other missing items. If she signed this, can she still press charges on me? And how should I handle this?


Asked on 4/10/07, 7:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Stealing from roommate

Press charges for what, theft of her personal property? Or does this scenario merely involved something akin to a negligent failure on your part to return some of her belongings which somehow came into your possession? The former would, of course, be a criminal matter while the latter likely a civil, and the difference between the two could be very serious for you, depending upon which course of action this dispossessed former roommate of yours decides to pursue.

Perhaps, offering another $100 to finally settle this dispute would be something worthwhile for you to consider.

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Answered on 4/10/07, 10:07 pm


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