Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia
Background: My motorcycle was stolen. I reported it to the police. I saw it being sold online. I found out the name and address of the person who stole it. He claimed to the police that he no longer has it but will not tell them where it is. I have evidence in the form of pictures and online transactions of this person possessing and attempting to sell my motorcycle. The police have done nothing in a year because they are inundated with more vehicles being stolen than they can investigate.
Questions: Can I file a civil lawsuit against this person for my stolen motorcycle? Where/how do I look for an attorney that will prosecute this case? All of the attorney websites I have found specialize in "Defense".
1 Answer from Attorneys
Yes, of course, you could sue this alleged miscreant in civil court who allegedly stole your motorcycle. If the fair market value of this machine was $5K or less, you could sue him in small claims court and bypass the need for an attorney.
However, if the value is substantially more than this amount, then you'll probably be looking at regular general district court in which to prosecute your claim with
the concomitant need to engage the services of counsel to represent you in this matter.
You're welcome to contact my office and provide me with a brief summary of the
case, including where this alleged thief currently resides and any information
you may have regarding his assets which could be used to enforce any judgment that you might receive from the court in your lawsuit.