Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Property damage to rental property caused by law officers

Federal marshals recently arrested someone who rented a home from us. During this process they broke down a door and two garage doors which were attached to the property. We were never contacted or notified by the police. How can they cause such excessive property damage to someone's property? They spent several hours at this house and could easily have contacted us for a key to the garage bay doors - something which would not have jeopardized their search because they already had the person in custody by that time.

We didn't do anything wrong, but not only have we had to clean out this house (which was ransacked by the law officers) we also have the expense of replacing doors. This is a pretty old house - so in addition to the expense, it is pretty difficult to find doors that fit properly.

I can't understand how destruction of the property of innocent citizens can be justified by the government.

Thanks.


Asked on 1/25/04, 7:51 am

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

Re: Property damage to rental property caused by law officers

You should write a letter detailing your claim

and requesting compensation for the damages done to your property by the marshalls during the course of their search and the arrest of the person renting the property.

The letter should be sent to the U.S. Attorney's Office responsible for the area where the property is located(in either the Eastern or Western District of Virginia) with a copy to the

U.S.Marshall's Service.

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Answered on 1/25/04, 10:46 am


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