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Civil litigation

conversion

Conversion (theft) is generally the cause of action/claim for which a party whose property has been stolen may file a civil lawsuit to recover the stolen property or its value. Theft is also prosecuted as a crime, but the object of a criminal prosecution is generally to punish the wrongdoer, rather than to seek recovery of the lost property.

In Minnesota, conversion is a civil cause of action that allows a person whose property has been wrongfully taken or retained to seek recovery of the property or its monetary value from the party responsible for the conversion. This is distinct from theft, which is a criminal offense prosecuted by the state. The aim of a criminal prosecution for theft is to punish the offender, rather than to compensate the victim. However, Minnesota law does provide for restitution to the victim as part of the criminal process. Victims of theft may pursue both criminal charges and a civil action for conversion. The civil action for conversion can be filed in a Minnesota court, and if successful, the plaintiff may recover damages equivalent to the value of the property at the time of conversion, along with any other compensatory damages that are proven.

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Civil litigation

conversion

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Minnesota State Code

Minnesota State Code

Articles

Civil litigation

conversion