Understanding Conversion
Conversion is the civil equivalent of theft—wrongfully taking or keeping someone else's property. Examples include:
- Refusing to return borrowed property
- Keeping property after a lease ends
- Using someone's property without permission
- Selling property that belongs to another
- Damaging or destroying another's property
Elements You Must Prove
- You owned or had right to possess the property
- The defendant intentionally exercised control over it
- The defendant's action was inconsistent with your rights
- You were harmed by being deprived of the property
Available Remedies
- Return of the specific property
- Fair market value of the property
- Lost use value during the conversion
- Punitive damages (for willful conversion)
Tips for Your Demand Letter
Describe the property specifically, document your ownership, and demand either its return by a specific date or payment of its fair market value.
Questions About Conversion Demand Letters
What is conversion?
Demand letter for conversion (civil theft). When someone wrongfully takes or keeps your property, demand its return or compensation.
What must I prove in a conversion claim?
To succeed in a conversion claim, you must prove: You owned or had right to possess the property; The defendant intentionally exercised control over it; The defendant's action was inconsistent with your rights; You were harmed by being deprived of the property.
What can I recover?
Available remedies include: Return of the specific property, Fair market value of the property, Lost use value during the conversion, Punitive damages (for willful conversion).
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