Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Need help...Please!!

[kodegyrl]

I am needing to see if I can press charges and how I go about doing so. I paid first months rent as a good faith deposit on an office and there was a verbal agreement that when repairs were made I could sign the lease and move in. Well, it has been over a month and repairs have not been made. The place can not be used and they refuse to return my money. No excuses just a refusal to give it back. I have receipt for the money. Can I press charges? Is this theft by taking?

 

[army judge]

I am needing to see if I can press charges and how I go about doing so. I paid first months rent as a good faith deposit on an office and there was a verbal agreement that when repairs were made I could sign the lease and move in. Well, it has been over a month and repairs have not been made. The place can not be used and they refuse to return my money. No excuses just a refusal to give it back. I have receipt for the money. Can I press charges? Is this theft by taking?

Even if it you went the criminal route, you wouldn't get your money back quickly, if at all.

You can sue in small claims, but first send a demand letter requesting they return your deposit.

Send it by certified mail, return receipt requested.

Set a 10 or 20 day window for them to return your money.

If the time passes, and you don't get your money, sue them in small claims court.

This isn't going to get fixed as soon as you wish.

Lawsuits take time, lots of time.

A lawsuit might not help, if you've signed a lease.

How much money have you advanced them?

You don't want to waste time and money that exceeds what you've already invested.

 

[kodegyrl]

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I didn't sign the lease yet and I gave them 600 dollars. If I end up having to sue can I sue them for court costs and attorney fees as well?

 

[army judge]

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I didn't sign the lease yet and I gave them 600 dollars. If I end up having to sue can I sue them for court costs and attorney fees as well?

Yes, you certainly may.

 

[mightymoose]

This is a small claims matter, so you shouldn't have attorney costs to worry about, just a few court fees. Make sure to ask for reimbursement because you won't get it automatically.

It is good that you have a receipt. Write the demand letter as advised and include a photocopy of your receipt. If they don't reply, take it to small claims.