Jefferson, GA asked in Criminal Law for Georgia

Q: a guy buys a girl a car for cash and puts it only in her name can he charge her with theft if they breakup?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Zachary Taylor Beck
Zachary Taylor Beck
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Rome, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: Based on the limited information provided, no. If the vehicle title is in the girl's name it is not theft, she is the legal owner. The fact that the guy purchased the vehicle is likely immaterial because he, assuming voluntarily, put it in the girl's name. This transaction seems like a legal gift, unless there was a contract stating otherwise.

As a side note, a private citizen does not "charge" people with crimes. If an alleged crime had actually occurred, you would file a complaint with the District Attorney's office or police department in the county/city where the alleged crime occurred. At that point, the D.A. would decide whether probable cause exists to charge the alleged suspect, not the private citizen.

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