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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 Montana, conversion is a civil cause of action that allows a person whose property has been wrongfully taken or retained to seek legal remedy. This could involve filing a lawsuit to recover the property itself or its monetary value. Conversion is distinct from theft, which is a criminal offense. While conversion focuses on the victim's right to recover their property or its value, theft is prosecuted by the state and aims to punish the wrongdoer. Under Montana law, a victim of theft may pursue both criminal charges and a civil action for conversion. The criminal process is handled by prosecutors and may result in penalties such as fines, restitution, or imprisonment for the offender, whereas the civil action is initiated by the victim and focuses on compensating their loss.

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Civil litigation

conversion

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Montana State Code

Montana State Code

Civil litigation

conversion

Articles