withholding personal identification

[mmstewart31]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Tennessee, A person stole 30.00 from me and I told him to give me his wallet until he could return the 30.00 to me. Two months later this person has contacted me, via, his mother asking for his wallet back. At which time I stated that he had stolen 30.00 from me and I would return his wallet; including his drivers license and s.s. card inside when he returns the 30.00 dollars he stole from me. My question is; am I in trouble now for holding his wallet with his identification?

 

[justalayman]

if the bailment was willingly entered into and the person is not a minor, you shouldn't be in any trouble. I would suspect, at most, you would be directed to return the wallet and contents.

If you demanded the person turn over their wallet and contents to you, I can see where there might be some problems for you.

If this is a minor, simply give the stuff back and write this off as a bad debt.