What to do if my phone was grabbed out of my hand on the public bus?
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What to do if my phone was grabbed out of my hand on the public bus?
I did not get a good look at the guy who did it. he grabbed the phone and ran out the back door. This all took place behind me. The phone was $320,which I bought it a month ago. The buses have video surveillance on them. I reported it to the police they said they will get the video tape of it happening. do I have the right to view the tapes to see what the person looks like. I still have to take the buses to work every day. I am scared because I don’t know if this person could be on the same bus as me. He knows what I look like but I don’t know what he looks like. do I have the right to request to see the video tape or at last a picture of the person.
Asked on July 6, 2013 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
You have a right to request the tape or pictures, but no right to force the bus company to turn them over to you, unless you institute a civil lawsuit (e.g. against a "John Doe #1" who assaulted and/or stole from you) and then, in the context of the lawsuit, use a subpoena to get the tape; or unless the authorities get a warrant requiring that the tape be turned over to them. But in the meantime, there is no harm in asking for it.
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