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Questions Answered by Steven Krieger
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: Do have I have a chance to with suing a friend for $9k they borrowed? plus court and lawyer fees? I a have text messages

I borrowed a friend 9k with a promise that they would repay the full 9k and 20% interest. It’s now over a year and they keep giving me the run around. At this point I do not care about the 20% interest, I just want my money back. I have multiple texts messages about the money and their promises... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Dec 15, 2023

Yes, you should be able to make a viable claim based on the text message exchange for the $9k and interest, but no attorney's fees unless that was also included in your messages. If the agreemenet was made while everyone was in Virginia, you should be able to sue in Virginia. If you decide to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Virginia on
Q: We took our rv in for repair last fall. Guy kept saying backed up/ needed more time etc. He is now avoiding us.

We originally paid to store the RV but the owner also does repairs so we went ahead and had him do our external repairs. Was given a quote we agreed to. Maintained contact with him and when he was ready to start our repair he would not take a credit card over the phone so I requested he send me... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jan 25, 2023

At this point, I think you have to send a letter through a law firm or file a lawsuit. Hopefully, the RV is still at the property, but you really have no way of knowing (unless you can see it through the gate). I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you decide to retain a firm.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: If a tenant negligently damages my rental house, can I charge them full replacement cost?

Allowed children to spill paint over 1/2 room of carpet. Wouldn’t come out & whole room replaced because couldn’t match. One of many negligent damages. Broke lining frig, 2 bins & chunk out of gasket/ door seal. 30-60 nail hole each child’s room, doors & gate hardware broken,... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Dec 10, 2022

It really depends on whether the items can be repairs and the condition of the items before the tenancy. If they can't be repaired and only replaced, then replacement is fine. If they were in excellent condition before and repair is not possible, then replacement could be justified. It's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Construction Law for Virginia on
Q: I paid a contractor in Virginia half my deposit. Then he moved to Ohio to avoid paying me back. What can I do?

I have invoice and proof of paying with a cashier's check. He is trying to defraud more people and he blocked me on facebook when I told people he was a scam.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Nov 3, 2022

If the project was in Virginia, you could sue him in Virginia, but you may need to register the judgment in Ohio (or where ever the contractor is living) to enforce the judgment. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you decide to hire a lawyer. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law for Virginia on
Q: I hired a contractor and he used my money to flip another house and left my house exposed to weather can I sue him

He made 190k by using my money to flip a house and left mine exposed to the weather which caused damage and cost me storage fees along with a lot of other cost getting my house completed.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Dec 11, 2023

This sounds like a violation of the VA Consumer Protection Act in addition to possible fraud claims. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you'd like to hire a firm to assist. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Virginia on
Q: I bought a house that clearly stated in the listing “hardwood floors are throughout the home under the existing carpet”

When I was able to occupy the home I pulled up the carpet to find there was no hardwood floor. According to the VCPA I have a case against them

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Feb 22, 2023

Yes, it sounds like there was a misrepresentation re the hardwood floors, so you may have a valid VCPA claim. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you decide to hire a lawyer. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: Is litigation my next step?

Someone has owed me money since 2019. I've sent two demand letters via a lawyer. There was no reponse. Is litigation my next step?

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Oct 3, 2022

Yes, it is. If you decide to hire another firm to assist, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: What makes a tenant at sufferance in Virginia?

I have a cousin I let stay in an apartment of mine for the past 2 years, I do not collect rent from her, nor has she signed a lease. Two months ago, she wanted me to sign a paper for her saying that she paid $650 a month in rent. I told her no that it was illegal for me to do so. At that time I... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Oct 3, 2022

No, unfortunately not. You still have to go through the eviction process by filing with the court and having the court enter a judgment for possession in your favor. If you decide to hire an attorney to assist, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Can I get out of a lease if the leasing office lied about smoke history?

We just signed a lease for an apartment in Virginia. After moving in, my wife complained of a chemical smell covering a cigarette smoke smell. The leasing office claimed the prior tenant did not smoke, and maintenance claimed it was to cover up curry. My wife just found a pile of cigarettes in a... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Sep 24, 2022

It's possible you could make a misrepresentation or fraudulent inducement argument, but if this goes to court you're going to need to be able to convince a judge that 1) the landlord told you it hasn't been smoked in; and 2) that it was smoke and not curry. If you decide to hire a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Collections for Virginia on
Q: Should I write a letter of demand first, or should I hire an attorney and sue the other party?

In October 2017, I signed a stock transfer agreement and I became a shareholder of a restaurant in Virginia.

In November 2019 I ended the agreement (verbally). My business partner (majority shareholder) and I sat down and we calculated what he owes me on a simple piece of paper. This... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jun 28, 2022

You can do a letter or a lawsuit. You know your former business partner better than an attorney, so if you think the partner would be motivated o resolve if sent a letter then that's the way to go. If you think the partner would ignore the letter, then litigation is the way to go. I'm... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Collections and Small Claims for Virginia on
Q: Can the other women sue for $10k she gave my husband during their affair?

No written exchanges about the money. When he broke it off he asked her about it and she replied “I don’t give a f***” now after some stalking on her part she filed a warrant in debt for it. Does she have a case ?

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jun 13, 2022

It really depends on what was the basis of giving the $10,000 or the agreement (even if verbal) around the money. If it was really a gift, then your husband should be able to successfully defend the lawsuit. If you or he decides to hire an attorney, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Government Contracts for Virginia on
Q: A company is refusing to pay me over $9000 that I earned as an independent contractor. What are my options?

The company is a subcontractor under a Prime Contractor who provides medical disability exams for Veterans Affairs. The company claims that the Prime didn't pay them for those particular services, and therefore they are not obligated to pay me for those services either. They haven't... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Jun 7, 2022

Yes, you have a few options: 1) send them a demand letter threatening a lawsuit if they don't pay you; or 2) pass on the letter and simply fie a lawsuit. Before doing either, I'd check to confirm that your agreement does not have any language in that conditions your payment on payment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Do I need to give notice to a person staying in my property in the state of Virginia? More details below.

Does not pay rent and is not in a lease agreement. Property damage has occurred by this person. If a notice needs to be given how long? Also do I need to go through the court system as in an eviction?

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on May 31, 2022

If you're going to evict based on non-payment or property damage, then you do need to give notice and evict through the court process. If you're evicting based on a person who has no tenancy rights then arguably no notice is required, but even then, the safest thing to do is give notice.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Virginia on
Q: How does one seek a listing of Northern VA attorneys, who will handle a legal professional malpractice lawsuit?

There is a rich documented history confirming this attorney’s legal malpractice actions.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on May 21, 2022

I'm not sure there is a comprehensive list, but my firm may be able to hep. Please give us a call at your earliest convenience and we'll run a conflict check, do an intake, and try to be helpful. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Contracts for Virginia on
Q: Non-competition and non-solicitation agreement

Hi there,

So my question is about the working contract that I have signed! I'm a home inspector in VA, working

for a franchise company. I have signed a non-competition and non-solicitation agreement with them that I cannot compete with them for two years after signing this... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on May 12, 2022

It really depends on the the specific terms of your prior agreement. Some non-compete provisions are not enforceable, but it really depends on the details. If you decide to retain a lawyer to assist you, I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Education Law and Libel & Slander for Virginia on
Q: My spouse has been accused (verbal and In Writing) of “forcing subordinates” to falsify documents (student grades).

Additionally, her employer (for profit college) has been accused of violating Virginia Board of Nursing practices. The institution is being represented, and tell my spouse “not to worry, they represent her too”…I am afraid she will be made scapegoat. Do I need an employment or defamation attorney?

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on May 11, 2022

You may need both, but it depends on the allegations in the complaint and if she's a named party. If not, and she simply wants to sue for the defamation, then you only need a defamation lawyer. I don't think the company's lawyer could properly represent her as well. I'm sure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: I gifted my son $18,500 to him, only so that he and his girlfriend could buy a house since then she has kicked him out.

Can I get my money back, she said no I am not giving the money back.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Apr 30, 2022

If it was a gift, then it will be more challenging. But if it there was an agreement that this money was to be used to purchase a house such that the money was a condition to the agreement, then you'd have a stronger case. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you decide... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: Do I need to hire a lawyer in the state of Virginia in order to send a demand letter? It’s a civil case.

I’m current in California, and the other party is in Virginia. I am trying to obtain my items that they do not want to return. I have pictures of them stating they have it and are not trying to return my items.

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Apr 30, 2022

You're not required to hire a lawyer, but the letter may be taken more seriously if you hire a lawyer. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you decide to retain an attorney. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: How can I file a civil suit against an evicted tenant for over $100k in damages and costs?
Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Apr 23, 2022

You'd just file a complaint for breach of contract in Virginia Circuit Court for the unpaid rent and any other damages (like property damage) and then serve the former tenants with the complaint. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to help if you decide to hire a lawyer. Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Virginia on
Q: Wedding planner canceled our contract 2 months before wedding. What rights do we have to the deposit?

The cancellation terms say that the retainer and payments are not refundable if we cancel, but does not provide language regarding what happens if the planner cancels. The planner canceled 48 hours ago via text and has not provided any information on how we will proceed with refunds or next steps.... View More

Steven Krieger
Steven Krieger
answered on Apr 21, 2022

Yes, you should be able to recover any fees you paid unless the contract has a specific term that permits termination or that the fee structure is set based on milestones. I'm sure anyone who responds would be happy to hep if you decide to hire a firm.

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