How do I get legal action taken care of if someone won't show up for small claims court?

It is from a ex boyfriend. I purchased the items and he will not give them back to me, I did not buy it for him, it is mine, if I break in the house and get my stuff back, could I be charged with stealing, along side breaking and entering?
Yes, you can. I would not suggest breaking and entering, as that's illegal.

However, if you properly served the individual with a small claims court summons, and they failed to appear, you will get a default judgment in your favor. Once you receive a default judgment, you can petition the judge to grant you a writ of execution (will cost more $$$) in order to empower your county sheriff or constable to enter their premises and seize property awarded to you in the default judgment, or monies that you are owed. A writ of execution would also empower you to contact banks that your ex-boyfriend keeps his funds in, and seize those as well.

Also, if you are in certain states (Texas being one where you can't do this) you can petition for a writ of garnishment, which will force his employer to turn over a certain amount of his paychecks to you until the judgment is paid. Finally, you can file the judgment with the three major credit bureaus, which will seriously damage his credit.

Hope this helps.
What do you mean they won't show up for court?
Have you tried to take him to court yet?
If you file a claim against him to take him to court, he will receive a summons for the date and time of the trial and he will be expected to be there. If he does not show up, there will likely be consequences for him which can even come to be a warrant for his arrest.
Most people do not evade the court system because it can really screw you over if you do not attend your trial date.
Yes, you would be charged with breaking and entering. Take him to small claims court. If he doesn't show up, he will lose by default and the sheriff or other law enforcement officer will accompany you to his house to get your belongings.
I am not a lawyer, but if he doesn't show up for a small claims case you win it by default. You get the judgment, in this case awarding you your stuff back from him, set a date and time to pick them up, then take a sheriff with you to retrieve your goods if you fear for your safety.
Go the legal route. It saves a bunch of hassle in the long run, although it may take longer.
Good luck


Answer:
Yes if you break into his house to get your stuff back you will be charged with breaking and entering and possibly theft. DO NOT TRY TO STEAL YOUR STUFF BACK!!!
First try calling the police and seeing if you can file a report, I dont know the circumstances but if you willingly gave or left your stuff there and now he just wont return it he is not stealing. But the police may do you a favor and try talking to him and usually he'll just hand it over so do that first.
If that doesn't work file a complaint in small claims court for 'Conversion' of property. If he doesn't show up, ask the judge for a default judgment. Essentially this will mean you won your case. Then go see the court clerk about how to enforce your judgment in your jurisdiction. Good luck.