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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 Tennessee, conversion is a civil cause of action that allows a person whose property has been wrongfully taken or retained to seek recovery of their 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 in Tennessee may also be entitled to seek restitution as part of the criminal process, which can provide for the recovery of the value of the stolen property. In a civil action for conversion, the plaintiff must prove that they had ownership or the right to possess the property, that the defendant exercised unauthorized control over the property, and that the plaintiff suffered harm as a result. The statute of limitations for filing a conversion claim in Tennessee is generally three years from the date the conversion occurred.

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Civil litigation

conversion

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Civil litigation

conversion

Articles