Can a Tow company legally withhold personal items from a vehicle which was repossessed, and charge a fee for the retrieval of those items?

Question

Can a Tow company legally withhold personal items from a vehicle which was repossessed, and charge a fee for the retrieval of those items?

Answer

According to Georgia law, if, after your creditor has repossessed your vehicle, and finds your personal property in the car--he must, within 10 days, notify you, whether by telephone, email or personal service, of his intent to get rid of those items. Also, after such notice, he must wait 30 days after the first notice, and send you a second one. If you have not picked up your personal effects after the second 30 days, then he has the right to dispose of your belongings.

If he refuses to let you get your items, try calling the police. If they will not help, sue him in small claims court.