If I file criminal charges against an apartment manager for entering my unit and throwing my furniture away in a landfill, would it interfere with me being able to file a civil lawsuit?
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If I file criminal charges against an apartment manager for entering my unit and throwing my furniture away in a landfill, would it interfere with me being able to file a civil lawsuit?
Also, Is there an statue of limitation that the lawsuit must be filed in?
Asked on June 18, 2015 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
1) In theory, there should be no interference: civil and criminal cases are brought in different courts. In practice, many civil judges will stay, or put on hold, the civil case pending the outcome of the criminal matter because the disclosure of information in the civil case could prejudice or damage the criminal case, and also because the defendant may be unable to freely testify while a criminal case is pending ("anything you say can and will be used against you").
2) You have two years in your state to bring a lawsuit for property damage.
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