Berryville, VA asked in Civil Litigation for Virginia

Q: someone is claiming that I stole an old john deere that they gave to me. How can I protect myself?

My family and I helped a friend of mine clean out their barn before they moved. There was a john deere 5 wheel gator in one of the barns that didn't run and all the tires were flat. They told me I could have it and even helped me trailor it to my house. I've been working on it to fix it up and now they are saying I stole it and they want it back. There was no written documents just verbal. They are now calling my friends and family harassing them about this. I don't want to loose it or all the time and effor and money I've put into it. Can they legally sue me? What should I do?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY

A: A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. No one can stop anyone from suing. What would happen in such a lawsuit? It's difficult to say. It looks like it might be a matter of your word against the other person's. It could depend on available documentation, which scenario seems more likely to the court, and who is more credible. Good luck

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