Q: Is there a way to return property to the owner without suing someone through civil courts, like a third-party mediator?
Currently, someone is in possession of our laptop but the PD has said it is a civil matter, not criminal. We would like to retrieve it without having to sue for the property, but the person currently in possession has not been entirely cooperative. Is this something we can mediate without having to go to a court for?
A: An attorney could send a demand and explain the next steps he or she would take if the property is not returned. Mediation would be appropriate if both parties have claims against each other, so there can be some trade-off and negotiation. If all that is at issue is the laptop I would have your attorney send a demand.
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