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 New Hampshire, 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 primary goal of a criminal prosecution for theft is to punish the offender, rather than to compensate the victim. However, victims of theft may also be entitled to restitution as part of the criminal process. In a civil conversion claim, the plaintiff must prove that they had ownership or right to possession of the property, that the defendant exercised unauthorized control over the property, and that the plaintiff suffered damages as a result. If successful, the plaintiff may recover the value of the property or potentially the return of the property itself, depending on the circumstances.