civil case

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? In NJ, A friend’s daughter (age 161/2 yrs) her first day alone with “new friends” got into trouble in a department store. They were caught in possession of items, which they did not pay for. The police were involved. The items with our daughter were less than $10. Offence under N.J.S 2C:20-11

they received a letter from the store’s lawyers noting that the store is planning a civil claim. On the other hand if they pay $150 (w/in 20 days) they will release the civil penalty claim.

they paid the money yesterday.

The question: were they obligated to pay the money? And what would have happened if we did not?

[email protected]

If you did not, your daughter (and you as her guardian) would have been demanded to attend court.

There, you would have been fined at LEAST the $150 you just paid plus the legal fees and court costs of the other party.

Which would probably add at least a grand to that amount.

You did the right thing.

Now, that was the civil part of the case. The criminal part is still pending and may have a fine of it's own... along with community service and/or probation.

Sorry, not you - your friend.

Wait a minute... you said "what would happen if 'we' did not".

Now I am all confused.

Just ONCE I wish that someone on here writing for a friend was ACTUALLY writing for a friend.

nfattohi said:

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? In NJ, A friend’s daughter (age 161/2 yrs) her first day alone with “new friends” got into trouble in a department store. They were caught in possession of items, which they did not pay for. The police were involved. The items with our daughter were less than $10. Offence under N.J.S 2C:20-11

they received a letter from the store’s lawyers noting that the store is planning a civil claim. On the other hand if they pay $150 (w/in 20 days) they will release the civil penalty claim.

they paid the money yesterday.

The question: were they obligated to pay the money? And what would have happened if we did not?

[email protected]

Click to expand...

Uuuuh, yeah... get your story straight. But at the end of the day? Let's call a spade a spade. Your daughter was not "caught in possession of items, which [she] did not pay for." Your daughter (I don't buy that it's a friend's kid for a minute) was caught shoplifting. In other words - stealing. Since she's a minor, who do you suppose is responsible for her actions?