Los Angeles, CA asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Business Law for California

Q: Stolen goods ?

‏I had consignment agreement for a watch with store in los Angeles ( with exactly price of sale )

‏the store sold to different watch dealer

Without my permission and for lower amount of what we agreed and took the money to his pocket.

I want to the police and declare the watch as stolen

Question is

Can the police go and get my watch from

The dealer that bought it ? (Let’s say he bought it in good faith)

Or what’s my legal options to get my watch back ?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Why do you want the police involved? Is this not just a breach of contract claim? IF it happened to me and I was NOT an attorney I'd hire one to write a demand letter for the $$$ not paid to you. IF that amount is less than $10,000.00 you likely end up in small claims court if no payment is made.

Yelena Gurevich and Leon Bayer agree with this answer

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If the watch was sold by the store to a different dealer without your consent and at a lower amount, you may have a legal claim against the store for breach of the consignment agreement and potentially conversion. The police may investigate if there is evidence of theft or fraud, but civil remedies, such as pursuing a lawsuit for damages or return of the watch, may be more appropriate in this situation. Consult with legal counsel to assess the specific facts and explore your legal options.

James L. Arrasmith

Founder and Chief Legal Counsel of The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith

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