Expert: Charles W. Field - 11/17/2004

Question
Hi There,

In 2002, I moved to another state, and asked a friend in the new state (Ohio) to hold onto a some very sentimental items(a watch and ring my deceased grandmother had given me from her deceased husband) until I got situated with an apartment.  I got situated, however, the friend holding onto my property kept moving.  I was able to keep in touch (but I didnt know his address), and each time I talked to him (asking about the property), he would say that it was ok (but never offerred to return it.
Finally, in May of this year, he decides he is going to be travelling (starting late June).  I tried in May, June, and July at different events we had both planned on attending to receive my property- to no avail.  And trying to get him to respond to messages gets more and more difficult.
I e-mailed him in September, and told him that if he didn't reply within 5 days, I would have to take the situation to a higher level.  He finally replied, stating that as soon as he unpacks the box with my property in it, he would send it.  ( I have even offerred to send him a check for 10$ to make sure it gets shipped)

So far, I have not received any messages about it, nor have I received my property.

In one of the e-mails, I did ask him if he had pawned my property, and while he got upset(which made him reply for a change), he did mention that he still has my property( so, at least he does admit he has my property)

I am wondering if contacting a lawyer will help me to get this resolved (as in:  Would a lawyer have any abilities to help me retrieve my property)?
I am not sure if it would be worth it to involve a lawyer, but it a lawyer can get my property back into my hands, I am willing to do it because of the high sentimental value of the items.

Thanks

Answer
I would definitely advise you to at least consult with a local attorney. Then, you will have to decide if it is worth whatever fee he/she quotes you. You might also ask him/her about whether the police in your area might be of help. It seems to me that a criminal case can be made for theft by conversion.