Renting With Roommates, Room Broken Into and Items Stolen
My question involves court procedures for the state of: Virginia
Four months ago, my roommates (an expecting couple) and I began to have serious issues in our home. Most of it was due to illicit activities of the male roommate. The couple decided to break the lease and move out after I became adamantly against any illegal activity being conducted in our home. Because I could not afford all of the rent on my own, I put a lock on my bedroom and went to my mother's for a few weeks. When I returned to gather my belongings (during a time period of paid rent), the lock on my door was broken. So many things were taken. The couple has refused to cooperate or even communicate with me. Since we all lived in that home, can they be charged criminally for breaking in and taking my things? If not, is this case something that would hold up in civil court? I have receipts for most of what was taken (the expensive stuff, anyway) and have word from our landlord that he knows the couple broke the lock on my door. The police here have not been much help to me. I know that these people have my belongings, but how do I go about this? Civil suit? If I have to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit, I will spend almost as much as the compensation. Please help!