Can a mechanic legally keep my keys?

Well, these kind of things vary from state to state, but.....

have you ever heard of a Mechanic's lien?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanic%27s_lien

He probably could have kept your whole car locked up in his shop.

And then, if you didn't pay a reasonable fee, he could have sold it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanic%27s_lien#Veh...

If you took your vehicle with no legal notice or payment, you could be charged with theft of services.

Well, I am not a lawyer or legal consultant, but I am sure that he has no right to hold your keys. He is not your car owner, he is just the mechanic. Besides that, he didn't fulfill his duty. If he demand you to pay him in full sum when he clearly knows that he didn't fix your car, he is demanding something unrealistic from you. Try to consult a lawyer. Maybe you could file a police report for fraud first. Usually these kind of people will back off when they realized that they are in a losing stance. If he does not back off, then you will have to hire a lawyer. Lawyer costs a lot, so go for the police first, since it costs nothing.

Call the Sheriff. They will go with you to get your keys.

He can file a civil suit to try and make you pay, but won't have much success.

You can file a civil suit to have him return your keys (if the Sheriff tells you it's a civil matter). You may also be able to collect for towing fees and maybe some or all of what you have had to pay him.

Call the Sheriff first though, that will get some "outside" confirmation of the trouble.

Call the BBB and file a complaint with the state. Inform him you are doing this and will be taking legal action. Explain to him that you are going not only sue him for your vehicle, but also all legal fees involved. Basically you are going to cost him business and money.....see how he like that. Bet he hands over those keys real quick!!!

he will probably keep them until you pay the full amount