Stepson stole my car after i loaned it to him

[HighwayMan]

I'm guessing there is no lien just as I'm guessing that the seller was incredibly stupid and simply signed over the title with a handshake agreement for a payment plan.

 

[CdwJava]

Further, the vehicle couldn't be entered into NCIC's SVS as "stolen" unless or until there is a finding that the vehicle was embezzled (i.e. charges filed) if it was, indeed, loaned to the person now in possession of the vehicle.

If the vehicle were still in the OP's name, it would be pretty easy to just go and get it. Sadly, that does not seem to be the case.

 

[V.m.booth88]

I am making monthly payments (still, even though I do not have the car, because my morals would never allow otherwise) I pay George (the previous owner) $200 twice a month. He signed the title to my husband and I, and then regrettably we signed it to Tyler. He did title it and I sure it, of that I am certain.
I have text messages, on my and my husband's phone all the way back to us telling Tyler we would loan him the car as well as discussing the title and insurance situation. Tyler's mom is also witness to all this and has told me that she would help in any way.

I am so furious, and hurt that I do my best to try and not think about it all. But something has to be done, I really can't afford an attorney....but I would find a way if needed. Should I discuss this with the police first?

 

[quincy]

I am making monthly payments (still, even though I do not have the car, because my morals would never allow otherwise) I pay George (the previous owner) $200 twice a month. He signed the title to my husband and I, and then regrettably we signed it to Tyler. He did title it and I sure it, of that I am certain.
I have text messages, on my and my husband's phone all the way back to us telling Tyler we would loan him the car as well as discussing the title and insurance situation. Tyler's mom is also witness to all this and has told me that she would help in any way.

I am so furious, and hurt that I do my best to try and not think about it all. But something has to be done, I really can't afford an attorney....but I would find a way if needed. Should I discuss this with the police first?

This is a civil matter, not a criminal matter.

You could sue Tyler but he appears to have a pretty strong hand to play. The car is titled in his name.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

However, if she provided all the relevant true facts, including that her step-son has title, she is not making a "false report." She’d mistaken that it is a crime, which the police and prosecutor would readily see and not bother investigating. False report in this context means reporting false facts that if true would be a crime. Reporting true facts to the police but simply being mistaken about it being a crime is not illegal. Citizens don't have to be experts in the law. That's why the state has police and prosecutors who are experts to sort that out.

If the OP tells the authorities the whole story they will tell her that it isn't a police matter, No harm, No foul.

If on the other hand if she "reports the car stolen" it would be a false police report.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

I am making monthly payments (still, even though I do not have the car, because my morals would never allow otherwise) I pay George (the previous owner) $200 twice a month. He signed the title to my husband and I, and then regrettably we signed it to Tyler. He did title it and I sure it, of that I am certain.
I have text messages, on my and my husband's phone all the way back to us telling Tyler we would loan him the car as well as discussing the title and insurance situation. Tyler's mom is also witness to all this and has told me that she would help in any way.

I am so furious, and hurt that I do my best to try and not think about it all. But something has to be done, I really can't afford an attorney....but I would find a way if needed. Should I discuss this with the police first?

Tyler has proof you GAVE him the car. You signed the title over. Unless he chooses to give the car back to you it will be his car until he sells. it.