Camden, SC asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for South Carolina

Q: A person i was staying with has stolen 9 of my exotic birds. police wont help say it is civil. civil court is back loged

she is deliberating hidding them, i am afraid i will never see them again. please help

1 Lawyer Answer
Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Columbia, SC
  • Licensed in South Carolina

A: How did the woman come to obtain the birds?

Without knowing this, specifically whether you entrusted her with the birds and she refused to return them, whether she broke in to somewhere and took them without your permission or knowledge, etc., it’s impossible to examine whether there is a criminal issue here.

As a civil matter, depending on the total price of the birds, you need to file a summons and complaint (a law suit) in the county in which you live and the birds were taken. Start at your local magistrates court, and the clerk of court there will help you by giving the right and forms, and helping you to file them. From there you will need to serve those papers on the person who took the birds. The clerk can help you do this legally to

ensure that the process is smooth and appropriate.

We hope that this helps you. While we understand the magistrate’s court back-log, this is the appropriate way to move forward with your issue. You can always also consult with an attorney and hire them to work this matter for you.

Best wishes.

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