[WA] My company went under and I’m being sued. What do I do?
I had a business doing trips. People paid me for a trip, but the business went under. They filed a police report for theft or fraud.
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Thank you for clarifying. Since the sheriff called, do these now:
- Don’t do anything that could be used against you.
- Gather emails, hotel confirmations, receipts, refund attempts, and client texts to show your good-faith efforts.
- If the business dissolved, keep records to show this was a failed business, not fraud.
Don’t talk to the sheriff yourself. Say: “I’ve been advised not to speak without a lawyer.” You need a criminal defense lawyer ASAP to handle the call and communication.
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Full Conversation
I had a business doing trips. People paid me for a trip, but the business went under. They filed a police report for theft or fraud.
Lexi, Chatbot
Sorry to hear that. Can you share more about why the police report was filed?
I don't know.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you consulted a lawyer yet?
No.
Lexi, Chatbot
Anything else we should know before I connect you with a lawyer? How can we assist further?
Yes.
Legal Eagle
Hi! I’m an attorney. Happy to help. What were you planning to do on the trip?
Group travel from Seattle to New York, several activities, hotel stay.
Legal Eagle
How much did each person pay?
About $2,447.
Legal Eagle
Are you asking about your rights generally?
No. Is this criminal? A sheriff contacted me and I want to speak to an attorney.
Legal Eagle
Got it—so they filed a police report against you for fraud? Did you refund the money?
I had a business set to take 20 people. I started bookings in November. Only 8 signed up, not enough to go. I tried to postpone, some dropped out, and my business went under. One person was refunded; I’m trying to refund the rest, but I don’t have the money. A bankruptcy lawyer said filing wasn’t necessary because there are no assets, and they can sue the corporation. They filed a police report saying I scammed them. A sheriff contacted me. I can’t run the trip later and want to respond to the police first.
Legal Eagle
Thank you for clarifying. Since the sheriff called, do these now:
- Don’t do anything that could be used against you.
- Gather emails, hotel confirmations, receipts, refund attempts, and client texts to show your good-faith efforts.
- If the business dissolved, keep records to show this was a failed business, not fraud.
Don’t talk to the sheriff yourself. Say: “I’ve been advised not to speak without a lawyer.” You need a criminal defense lawyer ASAP to handle the call and communication.
Can you help me write a text to the sheriff?
Legal Eagle
Sure. Send: “Hi Officer [Name], I received your message. I’ve been advised not to speak without a lawyer, so my attorney will be in touch soon. Thank you for understanding.”
Thank you. Do you have referrals for hourly lawyers in Seattle?
Legal Eagle
Not specific contacts. Try Lawyer Legion, Lawrina, ContractsCounsel, local law school clinics, Yelp, or Legal Services Corporation for legal aid. You can also keep asking me questions here to manage costs. Does that help?
Thank you.
Legal Eagle
Did I address your question and provide good service?
Yes.
Legal Eagle
Have a good day.
Legal Eagle
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