Can I keep a found wristwatch in Connecticut?

Full question:

I am living in Connecticut and yesterday I found a Wrist Watch (Emporio Armani) in a public place. I checked the nearby areas to find the owner but couldn't. In such circumstances, can I keep the watch till I find the owner? If after a reasonable time, the real owner is not traced, can I use the property?

Category: Abandoned Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Connecticut

Answer:

No, Connecticut law requires you to report any found item valued at one dollar or more to the local police department within forty-eight hours. You must also deliver the item to the police within one week. Failing to do so can result in a class D misdemeanor.

If the owner does not claim the item within six months, the police will notify you by registered or certified mail. You can then claim the item within thirty days after the six-month period, provided you pay any applicable charges. If you do not claim it, the item will belong to the municipality (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 50-10; § 50-13).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What should I do if I find a valuable item in Connecticut?

If you find a valuable item in Connecticut, you must report it to the local police department within 48 hours. You are also required to turn the item over to the police within one week. Not doing so could lead to a class D misdemeanor charge. After six months, if the owner hasn't claimed the item, you may be notified and can claim it, provided you pay any applicable fees. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 50-10; § 50-13). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Can I keep something I found if I can't find the owner?

No, you cannot keep something you found if you cannot locate the owner. Connecticut law requires you to report the found item to the police and turn it in within a week. If the owner does not claim it within six months, you may be able to claim it after paying any fees. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 50-10; § 50-13). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What happens if I don't report a found item in Connecticut?

If you do not report a found item in Connecticut, you may face a class D misdemeanor charge. It's important to report any found item valued at one dollar or more to the local police within 48 hours and deliver it within one week. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 50-10). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

How long do I have to wait to claim a found item in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, you must wait six months after reporting a found item for the owner to claim it. If the owner does not come forward, the police will notify you by mail, and you can claim the item within 30 days, provided you pay any applicable charges. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 50-10; § 50-13). *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*