Los Angeles Criminal Defense Firm

Bailee

A bailee is a person or entity to whom property/money is bailed. The bailor transfers possession, but not ownership to property to the bailee. For example, when a person (the bailor) valet parks his or her car, the car has been delivered into the hands of a bailee. The bailee cannot use the property and the bailor can demand the return of the property at any time. If the bailee misuses the property, uses it in a manner that was not contemplated by the bailor or fails to return it (e.g., joyriding), the bailee can be charged with larceny or some other theft crime.