Re: Stolen Z Found crushed
Date: August 15, 2008 03:29AM
I would:
1) take out criminal charges against the owner of the junk yard and the operator of the crusher each individually. There IS a big burden of proof, however, and they are likely to get off or very minimal punishment IF you can even PROVE they knew what was up. That is different than them knowing, and you knowing, but not having good proof,
2) take out civil actions (read: $$ MONEY $$) against both of said people as well. The burden of proof is MUCH lower, and does not have to be "beyond shadow of doubt." Find out the highest book value of the car, add all of you receipts for parts, labor, that rebuild and new paint, etc.). Here in mass, small claims is $2k and under. Over $2k is a regular civil action and requires a lawyer to file.
Before you file, you send a certified copy of your civil action application to the junk yard along with a very polite letter simply stating that you will file these civil charges unless he pays you in 5 days. If you don't get paid, you file.
3) call the newspaper. name names. get pictures of the guy, and of the front of the junk yard
4) call the attorney general in your state and tell them all about it. This guy may have other claims against him
Sorry about the wall of text