Parents Claim Adult Child Took Property That Belonged to Them When Moving Out

[mrratnip]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

Going to make this as short and sweet as possible. I recently moved out of my parents house (I am 24 years old), and you could say that I didn't really leave on either good or bad terms. Basically, my dad was a pill addict, controlling freak that tried to hold me back most of my older life. I got tired of it and wanted to make a new path in my life, a successful one where I wasn't held back any longer. So with a lot of courage and strength I moved out while him and my step mother were gone for the day (which rarely ever happens). I only took everything that belonged to me, and of those things included furniture and a phone they had bought me a few years ago.

When they had returned home, they came home to their sons empty room completely oblivious all along that I was planning on leaving. I feel this was my best option (not telling them I was leaving) as it would only make things harder in telling them. However now as to be expected, both my dad and step mother have been harassing my girlfriend and friends through text/phone calls demanding that I give back what they gave me a long time ago (phone and a recliner).

Im pretty sure there is nothing they can do about it legally with the cops but I just want to make sure. I myself am going to school to be a police officer but I am still learning the ropes. Is there anything the police can do to me legally or can they do nothing? My parents told my friends/girlfriend that if I dont return those items, they will contact the police.

Thanks, Ryan

[Mr. Knowitall]

What evidence do you have that your parents gave you the items, rather than simply letting you use them while you lived in their home?

I doubt that the items are worth much. Why are you making a big deal out of it, rather than giving them back the chair and phone?

[mrratnip]

I guess you could say that, but couldn't I also say what evidence do they have that those are their items?

The reason I am making a big deal are those things are mine that they gave to me as a gift a few years back, they are simply trying to harass me and "get the last laugh in". I use the phone obviously quite a lot and for work related uses, the recliner is just something ive had for years. Theres no reason why I should have to give both back. And quite personally id rather never see them again, its a complicated situation..

[Mr. Knowitall]

You have told us that the items were theirs, and that they gave the items to you. Why do you imagine that they would need to do more than agree with your first assertion, while disagreeing with your second?

In any event, as you are intent on making this break-up with your parents as miserable as possible, you'll do what you want and take your chances.

[mrratnip]

Thanks for answering my questions, anyone else actually have answer to my question that doesn't involve judgmental views?

[harrylime]

The ball is in your parents' court. Whether they go to law enforcement is up to them and whether law enforcement takes them seriously is up to law enforcement.

Nobody's going to give you any assurance of anything.

Tell your girlfriend and friends to put them on IGNORE.

[aardvarc]

Im pretty sure there is nothing they can do about it legally with the cops but I just want to make sure.

Your parents are free to both report your taking of the items as a theft to police, as well as suing you in civil court for the return or value of the items. What can the police "do"? They can take a theft report and forward it to the DA's office for criminal prosecution. (Make sure to pay attention in class about what the police do versus what the prosecutor's office does.) If you plan on becoming a police officer, you might want to think very long and hard about how a theft investigation, whether the DA brings an actual criminal charge against you or not, will look when applying for positions. It's STIFF competition out there, and yes, even something as minor as this can mean the difference between getting hired or getting the "thank you for applying" letter in the mail.

[PandorasBox]

When you leave home, all you can take with you is anything you have purchased. They do not have to give you ANYTHING they purchased for you. Not even your toothbrush.

So you use the phone a lot - why can't you go buy your own phone? Who is paying the phone bill?

How can they trace they bought the recliner? If they are like me, they kept a file for credit card bills.

[Disagreeable]

Really you decided to become an adult at 24 and move out of mommy and daddies? Give them the phone and recliner and stop playing games.

[budwad]

Or offer to pay them for the phone and recliner and get a receipt.