Conversion (theft) is generally the cause of action/claim for which a party whose property has been stolen may file a civil lawsuit to recover the stolen property or its value. Theft is also prosecuted as a crime, but the object of a criminal prosecution is generally to punish the wrongdoer, rather than to seek recovery of the lost property.
In West Virginia, conversion is a civil cause of action that allows a person whose property has been wrongfully taken or retained to seek recovery of their property or its monetary value from the party responsible for the conversion. This is distinct from theft, which is a criminal offense prosecuted by the state. The primary goal of a criminal prosecution for theft is to punish the offender, rather than to compensate the victim for their loss. However, victims of theft in West Virginia may also be entitled to restitution as part of the criminal process, which can provide some measure of financial recovery. It's important for victims to understand that pursuing a civil case for conversion is a separate legal remedy that may require the assistance of an attorney to navigate the complexities of civil litigation.