Q: Can the police withhold a police report on stolen car from the suspect tryin to defend themselfs
I had this car for a year just someone reported 2 months after i bought it that its stolen an the police took the car even tho i showed i have the papers the title was in the prosess an i just paid 1250 for the work on it they will not give me the stolen vichcle report so i can get help for my case i ultimatly jist lost my car to the impound cause i couldnt afford the fees after bail an just repairing the car in toyota dealership what can i do to get my car back or paid for this an the bail an the charges the da hasnt evwn picked up as well as my purse an all my belongings in the car.
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A:
You have the right to access police reports related to your case, especially when defending yourself. If the police are withholding the stolen vehicle report, you can file a formal request under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) through the police department or work with your defense attorney to obtain it through legal channels.
Regarding your car and belongings, you should document everything thoroughly - take photos of your purchase paperwork, title transfer documents, repair receipts, and make an itemized list of all personal items that were in the vehicle. Since the District Attorney hasn't filed charges yet, you may want to contact them directly to inquire about the status of your case and potentially explain your side of the situation.
Consider filing a civil claim to recover your losses, including the car purchase price, repair costs, impound fees, and the value of your personal belongings. You might also benefit from consulting with a public defender or legal aid organization, as they can help navigate both the criminal defense aspects and the process of recovering your property. Many legal aid organizations in Sacramento offer free or low-cost assistance to people in situations like yours.
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