recovering property

[jcnoernberg]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

I used to play in a band with some friends. I ended up losing touch with the members, but some of my gear is in his possesion. Approximately $1000 worth of equipment.

How can I go about getting it back? Small Claims? Can the police do anything about this?

Also, we have a PA system we shared. I purchased it on my credit and have all the receipts. The other two people paid me some money towards it. This is one of the items in dispute. Do I still own the item? We have no sort of contract, there is no proof they gave me anything. I will sell the item and split the money received to be fair, but do they have a legal claim to the item? There was no discussion that they would actually own part of the item upon payment. It took me over a year to get the money anyhow. Will the court assume a contract was made verbally, even though it really wasn't?

 

[JETX]

I used to play in a band with some friends. I ended up losing touch with the members, but some of my gear is in his possesion.

What does 'used to' mean?? How long ago??

How can I go about getting it back?

Depending on your answer above..... there may be no way to do so.
Also, do you KNOW who has the equipment?
Can you PROVE it is yours?

Small Claims?

Depending on your answers... that MIGHT be an appropriate place to start.... but you can only sue for the VALUE of the equipment at the time you 'forgot' it. You cannot sue for recovery of the equipment itself.

Can the police do anything about this?

Only if your equipment was STOLEN.

Also, we have a PA system we shared. I purchased it on my credit and have all the receipts. The other two people paid me some money towards it. This is one of the items in dispute. Do I still own the item?

See above.

We have no sort of contract, there is no proof they gave me anything. I will sell the item and split the money received to be fair, but do they have a legal claim to the item?

If they can show payment of funds to you for 'their share of ownership', yes.

Will the court assume a contract was made verbally, even though it really wasn't?

HUH?? Is there a WRITTEN contract?? If so, then you MUST follow it.