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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Posts
    2

    Angry Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft of Services

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virgina

    Last year I was invited to speak at a conference for 'The Sports Resume'. The proprietor George Bowser - invited me to fly to Richmond and speak at his conference with an appearance fee to be paid in the sum of $2500 plus expenses to be covered. I incurred about $1000 in expenses to attend.

    I booked travel and appeared. Then the song and dance began. I have tons of emails back and forth about how he would pay but he simply doesn't have the money to do so. Many false promises about payment - all going nowhere.

    I am curious what my recourse is. If I go to small claims court - and win a judgement (which for sure I would just based on the email promises alone) it doesn't appear that there is much that can be done to enforce that judgement.

    I would like to press criminal charges for theft of service. He consumed my services all the while knowing that he does not have the ability to pay for it. It wasn't just me - there are 4 others that also attended and have been treated the same.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft

    People don't "press charges" they report alleged crimes and the authorities choose whether or not to press charges.

    The best you can do is report the alleged crime to the police and see where it goes.

    Otherwise all you have is a breach of contract that you can sue for.

    Next time get money up front.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft of Services

    No, the late payment for services is not the same as "theft of services". Late payment and nonpayment are civil matters.

    If you were a cable TV or Internet provider, and he tapped into your network to use your services without paying, then you would have a "theft of services"-type of scenario.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft of Services

    I'm sure you have learned an expensive lesson. I get the appearance/speaker fee up front unless I'm doing it pro bono. I learned that lesson the hard way as you have. File your case in Civil Court and get a judgement.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft of Services

    So - this deadbeat has now sent me a check for $100. I am worried ... is there a way that this partial payment can be construed as a settlement of debt?

    His LinkedIn profile says he is a lawyer - so wondering if he has some sneaky lawyer stuff up his sleeve. I have asked him to send the next installment before I cash this one.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft of Services

    Is there anything notated anywhere on the check, front or back, that suggests it's anything but a payment toward the balance owed on your last invoice? On any associated correspondence?

  7. #7

    Default Re: Is Non-Payment the Same as Theft of Services

    I just looked up his LinkedIn profile. I'll be sure to steer clear of him.

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