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by Patrick_R6940 on April 5th, 2011

Patrick_R6940

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Ok, im 18, I bought my own laptop, and my dad took it and locked it up because I wouldnt give the password for it. Is this legal?

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Answers. 8 helpful answers below.

  • by zyrblue on April 5th, 2011

    zyrblue

    Though we do not have "all" of the facts... it sound like...

    Dad needs to grow up.

    Yes you live under his roof, and you need to respect his house rules, but in return he needs to accept, respect, and understand that you are an adult and as such when you purchase something with your own money, he has no legal right or claim, to withhold, or confiscate this property from you, or to demand your passwords. The only caveat that I can think of to counter any of this would be if you had a proven history of doing illegal acts via the computer. I will however continue under the assumption that such is not the case...

    I would first try talking to him about this, reasonably if he is not willing to be reasonable then you either live with the loss, give him your passwords, or you take action, weighing the consequences of each of these actions.

    Depending upon how far you are willing to push this issue and able to handle the consequences of pushing this issue, you do have legal recourse. Check out your local laws first. Depending upon these, you can file a report with the police, and this will be viewed as either theft or felony theft. Further you can take him to small claims court. Fully understanding that either of these actions will have consequences.

    The little devil in me says, fine dad you want to play that game... then I would gather all of the keys to his automobile(s) and hide them well. I would hold them for ransom and let him know that they will only be returned when my computer is returned... but that is me and I must explain and emphasize what I would do, or would have done at 18, is not necessarily what others in this situation should do;)

    HOWEVER as I said every action has consequences and only you can decide if any of this would be worth the price in the end, to give dad a lesson about respecting others personal property. If it is not then you end up living with it and giving your dad permission to go on treating you as a child until such a time as you are able to accept and deal with the consequences and willing to effectively change the situation.

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  • by Candi on April 5th, 2011

    Candi

    you live in his house, you live with his rules, teach him a lesson go out and get a job and enter the real world, see how petty this sounds then

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  • by NerdyGirl78 on September 6th, 2011

    NerdyGirl78

    Sorry but your dad is stupid! You are GROWN. He cant take the property you bought

    1.Bust in with something and get the laptop
    2.Freeze a fish
    3.Hold the fish above your head
    4.Slap your dad with the fish

    Maybe this will knock some sense into him.

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  • by Sugeehaz on April 5th, 2011

    Sugeehaz

    If you have the receipt go to the police and ask them to escort you to the house and demand the computer. Note: Be prepared to be homeless.

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  • by moonkicker on April 5th, 2011

    moonkicker

    No. The question I have is "why?" If he is trying to stop you from seeing porn, you are 18. It is legal for you, as an adult. Any other reasons would seem fallacious. Protect your password. And do a virus scan the instant you get it back. He may have installed a keystroke logger, or other such program.

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  • by Simmo80 on April 5th, 2011

    Simmo80

    Your 18?

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  • by Judge Dreed on April 5th, 2011

    Judge Dreed

    I figure you still live in dads house.

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  • by mikepipe on April 5th, 2011

    mikepipe

    Legal or not and living in your parents home are not the issues. You're not a minor child. Your dad has no place to take your laptop or demand to have your password. Sounds like an issue of continuing to dominate and control you. My dad was a prick like that too.

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