How shouldI go about suing a man for theft by deception in small claims?

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How shouldI go about suing a man for theft by deception in small claims?

I paid a man $85 to repair a gaming console. I gave him 3 consoles; 1 for repair and 2 for parts. It has been an entire year now and I have received 2 back exactly how I gave them, and the 3rd was sent to out to the manufacturer for replacement (not fixed). I have now spent $100 in fees on the account for premium services waiting for the console to return. My calls have been ignored, and  have only been given excuses (I lost the paperwork, I was away, I was sick). I would like to know how much I should sue for and how about I will sue the console replacement cost is about $300-400.

Asked on August 9, 2011 Rhode Island

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

If you file suit in small claims, your best theory of recovery would be for breach of a contract (oral or written) against the man you gave the $85.00 to repair the gaming console. Your damages would be what you have given up (incurred) as part of the agreement.

If the entire repair was to be done for $85.00, your damages would be the consold replacement cost of $300 to $400, plus the $100.00 in fee less the $85.00. Damages would seem to be in the range of $315.00 to $415.00. Make sure you bring all the paperwork you have to the small claims hearing.

In essence, your damages are the difference between what you were promised and what you received in the agreement.

Good luck.


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