Shoplifting

[closetohisheart]

What is the name of your state?I live in CA. I have a question about shoplifting penalties. My 17 year old daughter was a runaway when she shoplifted an $8 pair of underwear. She had put them on in the dressing room. Her "friend" that she was with took $295 worth of stuff. They both got caught but the civil demand I received for my daughter was for $295. What should I do? Also, the statement said, "This claim is separate from any criminal punishment or penalties that may arise from this shoplifting incident." Does this mean that even if I pay the civil demant they can come after us for criminal charges or is it a veiled threat that if we don't pay this amount they will bring criminal charges. There was never a police report. The other person's mother came and signed for both of them and paid for the underwear. I am assuming that they sent the same demand to them but I can't be sure unless I call and ask. Also, what would have happened if they couldn't get ahold of an adult? Would they have had her arrested?

 

[CdwJava]

The civil demand is unrelated to any criminal matter. However, if the police were not involved in the original event the chances of them getting involved now - provided the demand is paid - is slim to none. Failure to pay will likely result in a civil action against her as well as the slim possibility of a criminal filing.

- Carl

 

[Urtenfifteen]

Do not pay civil demand

Consider them lucky to not have been prosecuted. But DO NOT pay the civil demand. Doing so exposes her to a small chance of further legal issues, and in some circumstances can be used as an admission of guilt.
Although it is unlikely prosecution would be brought up again, these civil demands are causing real legal trouble when they are paid rather than not.
These firms take advantage of your fears and although the fine print admonishes them, they have become a sort of implied extortion.

 

[Zigner]

Consider them lucky to not have been prosecuted. But DO NOT pay the civil demand. Doing so exposes her to a small chance of further legal issues, and in some circumstances can be used as an admission of guilt.
Although it is unlikely prosecution would be brought up again, these civil demands are causing real legal trouble when they are paid rather than not.
These firms take advantage of your fears and although the fine print admonishes them, they have become a sort of implied extortion.

This thread is FOUR years old

Don't necropost