[Spooky23]

It depends on the scenario. I had an issue with a notorious tow service in my city, won a few thousand dollars, and placed a lien on one of his trucks. After a diligent search, the only truck I could absolutely identity was a $150k recovery vehicle that printed money for him.

When we showed up with his competitor to tow his truck, he appeared with an envelope containing the full judgement in cash.

The guy was such an asshole, I would have gladly spent a few thousand dollars just to inflict pain and disruption upon him.

[Alupis]

As a counter example, San Diego County Sheriff charges $2500 to levy a vehicle[1] - and I'm certain there's more fees involved since there will be a title involved somewhere, possibly a bank/lienholder, etc.

So if you were owed a couple thousand, this would not be worth paying to enforce. Unless you're made of money and highly principled (as a fellow pot-stirrer, my hat would be off to you).

[1] https://www.sdsheriff.gov/bureaus/court-services-bureau/civi...

[Spooky23]

Totally get it… ymmv! This was several years ago, but where I lived the cost was around $500, plus a 5% fee on the sale.

It cost me only the $500 because they had a change of heart when the hook arrived. I was really disappointed, selling the vehicle would’ve been very satisfying.

[alexanderchr]

I assume in most jurisdictions reasonable enforcement costs would just be added on top of the debt, so that’s not really a problem.

[Alupis]

You'd be wrong in small claims court. You'd have to go back and sue again for those damages once realized.

[Suppafly]

That's essentially what it costs to have the police do the work for you, not what it costs to have the work done in general.

[Alupis]

Judgement or not, you will not be able to tow away someone else's vehicle without having the police involved.

This is the process. Small Claims, by nature, is for petty disputes between citizens.

[15155]

Perhaps append "in California" or whatever jurisdiction you are in.

These are local and state matters: some states respect private property and contractual arrangements more diligently than others.

[Alupis]

I don't know of any state or jurisdiction where you would be legally allowed to just show up and tow away someone's property without involving law enforcement in some capacity.