questions & answers

Question: I had a roommate who was on a lease for a home we rented. Roommate never paid rent and was physically and verbally abusive to me and my 14 ye old son. Roommate said she was moving out multiple times but never did when deadline came. Roommate agreed to a lease amendment and move out in 30days but never signed. Instead roommate got an order of protection and had me & my son removed from home. eviction occurred. Paid writ of restitution and geot new lease. While barred from premise roommate stole $20 of property $3k of which was 3rd party’s. Is the 3rd party property theft criminal or civil?

Answer: Theft is a criminal offense under Arizona law (see A.R.S. 13-1802). A person who wishes to recover stolen money may also have the option of taking the thief to court, by filing and serving a civil lawsuit against them.