Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Personal Property Taken and Not Recorded

My friend and I were stopped and searched by WA State WSP, officer and taken to jail. We were released within 72hrs and no charges were actually filed against us. During the search, the officer found and had taken $1850 in cash and 3 gold diamond rings of mine. After being released, I received my personal property and only $50 cash was entered on my books and no recording of my 3 gold diamond rings at all. My friend was a witness at the time that we were searched and can verify truth to my statement? I've been calling the WSP officer since I was released and have recieved no returned calls. What is the law or legal standing about personal property that is taken from you during the time of a search and not recorded and how do go about reclaiming it after no charges were filed? What legal action do I take to prosecute the WSP Dept. for their negligence and make them responsible for their actions?


Asked on 8/21/06, 12:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Personal Property Taken and Not Recorded

The booking process should have shown the detail of personal property (including money) what was seized and you should have made objections at that time if the receipt was not correct. Making a claim afterwards is going to weaken your case. This will come down to a matter of evidence and I expect the receipt (which was done at the time of booking will come into evidence, and you will have to explain it away, and that won't be easy).

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Answered on 8/22/06, 3:32 pm


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