Asked in Criminal Law and Small Claims for Texas

Q: My motorcycle was stolen then recovered. The suspect has been arrested. Is it worth me finding a lawyer for help

Hello, my name is Michael. I had my motorcycle stolen on Dec. 9 2018. Grand Prairie police have finished their investigation and arrested the man who stole it. My bike was recovered but damaged. The value of the bike according to KBB is 4,850.

I would like to know if it would be a good decision for me to hire a lawyer to pursue this case for me. I am a college student so I do not have much money. Is there anything the court will do to provide restitution for me if I dont hire a lawyer?

I would like to get impound fees, payment for damages, payment for time and gas, restitution for the 11 weeks it was missing, and payment for my helmet.

I am worried that if I hire a lawyer I will have to spend more money out of pocket and that I would possibly end up having to pay for services without receiving restitution from the offender. I also do not know that there is any way for the legal system to make the person pay even if they are convicted.

I appreciate your time and any help!

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2 Lawyer Answers
Grant St Julian III
Grant St Julian III
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Dallas, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: Contact the Victim's Compensation Fund in your area. Get the contact information for the District Attorney who is prosecuting the person who stole your motorcycle and discuss restitution. Good luck.

1 user found this answer helpful

Kiele Linroth Pace
Kiele Linroth Pace
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Austin, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: Suppose, for example, if you won a judgement of $1000 from a bum who lives under the bridge. Chances are you'll never see the money because the bum has no money. As the saying goes, "you can't squeeze blood from a turnip."

Do you imagine that a person who steals a motorcycle has money to pay for the damages? Probably not. As attorney Grant St. Julian III suggested, your best chances are by cooperating with the prosecutor and maybe getting something in the form of restitution or from the victim compensation fund. The fund is run by the AG's office and has a lot of rules and limitations. Read here for more info: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims/crime-victims-compensation-program

1 user found this answer helpful

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