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Tenant stole washer and dryer from home, filing criminal charges and right to sue in small claims court in state of GA

Asked over 3 years ago - Grovetown, GA

tenant stole my washer & dryer from the mobile home, claimed it tore up and he threw it away. Didn't let me know until he moved and i found it missing. I filed a police report and we went to court and the judge dismissed the case. The judge told me I could take it to civil court. How could this happen? What do i need to do?

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Attorney answers (2)

Anthony John Colleluori

Reputation Level 15

Answered over 3 years ago. Criminal Defense Attorney in Huntington Station, NY.

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YOu need to file a small claim suit. You have no proof that the he stole the washer dryer and I am sure you took (or should have taken) a security deposit to cover trhe loss of things and damage to the residence. Finally the situation you describe is more like a bailment rather than a stolen property case.

Go to the local courthouse and ask for the small claims clerk. If you ask nicely and do not waste their time complaining about the judges decision, they can be very helpful and make the whole process simple.

Good luck.

Columb ia County Small Claims Court and other phone numbers

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Daniel Richard Duello

Reputation Level 6

Answered over 3 years ago. Criminal Defense Attorney in Augusta, GA.

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I'm assuming that you went to a pre-arrest warrant hearing. That is where you had to present your claim before a magistrate judge and the tenant was there to defend themselves. These hearings are for people who want to get a warrant, but either did not go to the police or the police deemed that there was not enough evidence to issue a warrant. Sometimes, with claims like yours, the judge will dismiss the warrant since you have another remedy in small claims court.
If the property was in Columbia County, then you need to go to the courthouse in Evans; it's on Ronald Reagan. The phone number for small claims court is 706-868-3316.

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Other answers (1)

johnmarkwhitt

Answered by a user, over 2 years ago.

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I am in a current situation simular to yours. You will never recover your losses. An attorney would cost you more than replacment of the appliances. Filing fees are not reasonable. Even if you are awarded a settlement you will not get paid. The court will not force the scumbags to pay you. Nothing will happen to them. Now in addition to loosing your appliances you have lost several hundred dollars filing fees, your time and cost out of your life. My advise: Bend over, smile and just let it go. Remember, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"...learn from any mistakes you may have made and move forward.

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