Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Virginia

Q: Does a dollar value have to be added to a Warrant in Detinue, if I do not want money?

I'm needing to file a warrant in detinue for the return of my cat. Is it true that in small claims the dollar value is limited at $5000? and what if I do not want to give the person the option to pay $5000 and keep my cat. The only thing I want back is the alive living cat, not money to compensate. Just not sure the correct procedures around filling this form.

IF it is required to provide a dollar amount, can it be ruled in court that they have the option to pay me and keep my pet? Or is there any way I can dispute this to return my animal and not accept cash?

1 Lawyer Answer
Brian M. Latuga
PREMIUM
Brian M. Latuga
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: You’d want to file an action in Detinue, not a warrant in debt. The detinue action is for return of personal property.

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