How to File a Criminal Charge Against a Contractor

Unfortunately, not all building contractors are honest and trustworthy. If you recently had to deal with an evil individual who never completed the work you paid them for, it’s normal to be frustrated.

itness trainer’s attitude lauded sus steroids 037: Post baby body and postpartum fitness – The FitnessistaSome contractors will try to scam their customers by completing the work with shoddy materials, making false claims, or even engaging in bribery and extortion. Whatever illegal act your contractor has engaged in, you might wonder how to file a criminal charge against the contractor.

Let’s learn how to file a criminal charge against a contractor:

1. Make sure you can prove your contractor acted with criminal intent

If you want to try to file a criminal charge against your contractor, you will have to be able to prove that they acted with criminal intent. Depending on your situation, this could be a difficult thing to do.

If the work you paid them an advance for was not completed, or if the job was badly done, start by taking photos. Document the work that was done and the work that still needs to be done.

If you have proof that your contractor intended to never complete the work or that they stole from you, gather this evidence.

2. Send a registered letter to your contractor

If your contractor disappeared without completing the work they were supposed to do for you, you should start by contacting them. Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding, or perhaps your contractor has a good reason not to be able to complete the work planned.

Send them a registered letter if they don’t return your phone calls or emails. A registered letter will come with proof that you have sent the letter and that it has been delivered.

In your letter, demand that your contractor makes things right. Tell them that if they fail to meet your expectations, you will act against them. This could include filing a report with the police, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, or making a claim against their bond. You can ask a Brampton criminal lawyer to help you write this letter.

3. File a report with your local police department

If your contractor refuses to give you back your money or complete the work properly, you can file a report with your local police department. Keep in mind that if you have no proof that your contractor acted with criminal intent, the police might not be able to do much to help you.

You can also get in touch with a criminal lawyer and tell them about your situation. Ask them for some advice on what you should do next.

A criminal lawyer might tell you that this is not a criminal matter but a civil matter and that you should consider taking your contractor to civil court instead.

4. File a small claims court suit

You don’t need a lawyer to file a small claims court suit, although hiring one would make the process easier. This could be a good option depending on how much money is at stake. You could sue your contractor for breach of contract, which could help you get your money back.

Instead of going to small claims court, you could try arbitration. This is a process where a neutral third party will try to resolve the issue between you and your contractor.

5. Hire an experienced lawyer

Arbitration and small claims court might not work in your situation. If you know you can prove that your contractor acted with criminal intent, get in touch with a lawyer with contractor fraud experience.

They will advise you on the best course of action and will represent you in court if they can move forward with your case.

6. Learn how to protect yourself from a future contractor fraud

It’s important to take action against a contractor who has scammed you. But it’s also important to learn how to protect yourself from contractor fraud to ensure you don’t end up in another situation like this one.

Be sure you research before hiring any contractor, and never agree to hire a contractor who contacts you first.

Only work with licensed and insured contractors who have a good reputation. Be sure to read plenty of online reviews before making your choice, or better yet, ask someone you know to recommend you a reputable contractor.

Always get a contract written and signed before you allow the contractor to start working on your property. And if anything doesn’t seem right to you, don’t hesitate to ask a lawyer to review the contract before signing it.

Finally, beware of any contractor asking you to pay for the whole cost of the work to be done in advance.