I want to know if denying my ex-girlfriend access to my storage unit until she pays money owed is a crime.

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I want to know if denying my ex-girlfriend access to my storage unit until she pays money owed is a crime.

Girl was living with me until we broke up. She owes me $1600. She has some personal belongings in my storage unit. I want to deny her access to the storage unit until she pays the money she owes. She wants to involve the police. Is this a matter for the police or is it purely a civil matter.

Asked on July 18, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Texas

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

No, it can become purely a criminal matter if you try and claim that you have some sort of lien on the property for back rent or to extort the back rent by holding the property.  She can and probably will involve the police and you could get in to a heap of trouble.  The property is not even on the premises you shared.  She could say that you were holding it for her in a bailment and that you have refuses to return it thereby falling under the criminal "conversion" statutes.  Do the best thing for your self and sue her for the money owned.  But give her her stuff. Good luck.


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