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What to Do After a Relative Steals From You

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  • 05-03-2013, 08:32 PM
    DemonDragon
    What to Do After a Relative Steals From You
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia

    So, after a month and a half, we did some checking, and it turns out my brother in law, did in fact steal my games, controller and everything, coming to $290 and change. We know this for a fact, because he sold them at the local Gamestop, and used my sisters account when he sold them. It keeps track of what you buy and sell, and my games are listed as some he sold on April 9th.

    Now, I've just mailed off a certified, restricted letter, only he can sign for it. The letter is asking him to politely return my property, I now have proof that he's sold around $140 of that, so, my question is. Do I have to wait for the confirmation that he's received the letter, or can I take what evidence I have right now, take it to the Magistrate(or whoever I'm supposed to go to), and file civil charges against him. Is it a felony at that amount of property stolen? A friend of mine(I know, reliable source), told me that anything over $200 is a felony. He is already on probation for child abuse, while it wrong of me, I'm eager to see him in prison. I know there is no getting my property back, and he'll never reimburse the value either.

    I just want to know if I should go ahead with charges, or wait for confirmation that I tried to contact him in a polite and civil manner, or just go straight to the pressing charges, since I have proof he borrowed, stole(theft after trust), and sold stolen property.

    Thank you guys, for all of your help thus far, and for future questions. You guys are really the absolute best, and I know I can always rely on your knowledge and experience.
  • 05-03-2013, 08:36 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    In my opinion, the very first thing you need to do is make a police report.
  • 05-03-2013, 08:44 PM
    DemonDragon
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    ^_^ I did a quick look and yes, anything over $200 is a felony now, in Virginia. While I shouldn't be happy(I partly am, because I know where my stolen property finally is, but upset, because it is not recoverable). Add to that, selling stolen property is another felony. I hope the judge beats him with the law book.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote:

    Quoting Dogmatique
    View Post
    In my opinion, the very first thing you need to do is make a police report.

    As in, call the police, or go to the station? I plan on taking the printed out copy, showing what he sold, and the date/store number. So it will make their job easier, the police here are rather lazy.
  • 05-03-2013, 08:45 PM
    adjusterjack
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    People don't "press charges." They report crimes. Then the authorities decide whether there is enough evidence to press charges.

    Do you really think that a thief who stole your stuff is going to respond to a polite demand for its return (or the money)?

    Very likely he'll duck the registered mail and you'll find out in about 3 weeks that it was undeliverable.

    I suggest you report the theft to the police ASAP.

    The longer you wait the less serious they take it.
  • 05-03-2013, 08:53 PM
    DemonDragon
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    Quote:

    Quoting adjusterjack
    View Post
    People don't "press charges." They report crimes. Then the authorities decide whether there is enough evidence to press charges.

    Do you really think that a thief who stole your stuff is going to respond to a polite demand for its return (or the money)?

    Very likely he'll duck the registered mail and you'll find out in about 3 weeks that it was undeliverable.

    I suggest you report the theft to the police ASAP.

    The longer you wait the less serious they take it.

    The only reason I've tried to be polite about it, is my friend had this happen alot, and the courts would always give the offenders a month or two leniency to return what they stole. So, I want to make sure I put forth effort to resolve it without resorting to the legal system. I tried to the best of my ability to leave it out of hte hands of the legal system, if I don't need to bother with that, I'll be reporting the theft, and sale of my property in the morning.
  • 05-03-2013, 09:56 PM
    Disagreeable
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    Since you started a new thread, I will repeat this for your benefit.

    "Please tell me you did not just say that he has those games because you do not. Not only do you have no proof. You would be laughed out of court." The statement has not changed. The facts have not changed. Do you even have receipts for the items you claim he stole?
  • 05-04-2013, 06:54 AM
    flyingron
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    Maybe you can appeal to your mommy (or mommy-in-law).
  • 05-04-2013, 02:27 PM
    Disagreeable
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    Quote:

    Quoting DemonDragon
    View Post
    That is about the most mature reply I've gotten, thank you for that. :) For the record, my mom died 2 years ago and his mother no longer speaks to him, cause he's a sorry sack of crap. But thanks for the meaningless comment. Very much appreciated.

    Hmmmm, My response was more correct, concise and mature. I wasn't even snarky or condescending. My feelings are hurt now. I need a hug. (sniffle)
  • 05-07-2013, 01:36 PM
    DemonDragon
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    Quote:

    Quoting flyingron
    View Post
    Maybe you can appeal to your mommy (or mommy-in-law).

    That is about the most mature reply I've gotten, thank you for that. :) For the record, my mom died 2 years ago and his mother no longer speaks to him, cause he's a sorry sack of crap. But thanks for the meaningless comment. Very much appreciated.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Further update. So, after I filed charges and he was served a warrant, he is threatening to file charges against me for a gift he gave me 2 months prior. I have a FB post, mentioning the item was a gift, he wants to file charges against me for. What can I expect if he does file charges, what kind of proof do I need to bring on my side saying that it is infact mine. My sister entered into a contest with her husbands name. They had an Xbox already, so they gave it to me on Jan 16th. They separated March 22nd, and it is now May 7th.

    I'd like to know what my options are, and what I should do.

    I'm already paranoid schizophrenic, him even threatening to do this sent me into a anxiety/panic attack, which was fun, especially in the middle of Walmart.
  • 05-10-2013, 01:44 AM
    mmmagique
    Re: My Brother in Law Stole Some Video Games Frome Me, What Should I Do Next (Update)
    Don't worry about it. Bring your sister as a witness and the print out of the facebook page. (I doubt he'll sue you though, he's just mad because you're making him pay for what he stole)

    I hope the judge beats him with a law book too. :)
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