Need some help in my criminal thinking - Lateral-g Forums

T Bell · #1 03-19-2009, 07:57 PM

As my signature still reads, I took my car to a body shop to get the dents pulled and whole car primered. The car was taken to his house instead of his shop. Well, after two years of chasing this guy, and him giving me the run around about my car being almost finished, I got him on the phone and he says the car is finished and I should pick it up. He says it's at his new shop. I call him the next day to look at it and nothing. He's not even at the shop. I went by his house and lo and behold my car is still in the backyard in the same spot, with no work done to it at all. I take pictures with my camera so I can have the date imprinted on the pics. This was two weeks ago. I haven't said anything to him about it because I'm still wondering what I can l legally do. I popped up at his new shop today and he was there but my car wasn't there (obviously, I'm just playing along now). He feeds me some line about my car had to be moved last Friday and he put it in storage. I ask why didn't he bring it to me or call me. Of course he says he did call me. He also tells me that him and his wife are splitting up and he may need me to help him move his stuff from the house. (Crazy I know). Then he asks if I want to sell the car. He says he knows a guy that really wants it bad. WTF!!!!!!!! I've talked to a police friend of mine and he said that there isn't any real legal action that I can take right now because the guy hasn't really done anything wrong. I could file a stolen vehicle report but I want to get my money back as well. I don't want to tip the guy off and let him know that I know my car is in his backyard because I don't want him to hide the car and then tell me someone stole it. Any suggestions? Guys with shops, if I have a receipt were I paid him to get started and that business is no longer in operation, what legal action can I take? Sorry for long winded post but I tried not to leave out any stupid things.

1984 camaro · #2 03-19-2009, 08:08 PM

Get your car.

**Spiffav8** · #3 03-19-2009, 08:31 PM

First things first. Go get your car. I strongly suggest you just show up with a Tow Truck and yank it unannounced. Make sure you have proof of ownership with you! If the guy is home and gives you any trouble call the police and ask for assistance.

To get your money back you will need to take him to court. There is nothing the police can do...it's a civil matter.

Good luck!!

T Bell · #4 03-19-2009, 08:35 PM

I'd literally have to tear his fence down. And isn't that breaking and entering? I'm not opposed to it, though.

**Spiffav8** · #5 03-19-2009, 08:45 PM

How did the car get back there? Sounds like you had better call the police department and have them standby for an assist. Again make sure you have all the documents to prove it's yours.

**89 RS** · #6 03-19-2009, 09:24 PM

I agree with Curtis, have your documents to prove it's your car and I would notify the police so that you don't put yourself into an even worse situation. Get your car back and I would take him to court, more than likely it's not the first time he has done this.

JamesJ · #7 03-19-2009, 11:34 PM

Like said before, GO GET YOUR CAR and then worry about the money...

Radlark · #8 03-20-2009, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesJ

Like said before, GO GET YOUR CAR and then worry about the money...

x2

Cread01 · #9 03-20-2009, 05:01 AM

I would do whatever you can to get the car and then get the money later.

You said him and his wife were splitting up... Maby you can play that card. go talk to her and see if she will let you go in with a tow truck and yank it.

T Bell · #10 03-20-2009, 05:41 AM

Honestly, I think the splitting up thing was a lie to detour me from going over to his house. I went by there this morning and the car is still in the back and his truck was there as well. I need a car trailer. I'd hate to get a tow truck out there for him not to show up. Not sure if they would sit there all day and wait like me.