What to do about damages being sought in teen shoplifting case?
Full Question:
I have a 14yr old child who was caught at a Macy's dept. store ,along with several other kids, shoplifting. Now my child didnt actually steal anything, the only thing she was caught doing was removing the tag off of a bracelet. My child was not found with any merchandise on her, but the other girls that were with her had stolen several items. My child did recieve a ticket from an officer there at the store and we went to Teen court and now all of the charges have been dropped. A week later , I get a letter from the dept. store stating that we owe them $275.00 in settlement of a civil claim,resulting from a theft . Now my child's ticket was for a theft under $50.00 ,how is it they figure we owe $275.00 on a charge under $50 , and on top of that ,my child was not found with any stolen merchandise on her? The store did lose any of the merchandise so why are they collecting on merchandise that they have in their possesion? Also, $275.00 does not equal to under $50.00.
05/26/2007 |
Category: Small Claims |
State: Texas |
#5967
Answer:
Sounds like the store is making a loss claim on some basis and may be pursuing the entire group of kids since they were all together. The criminal charge and fine issue of 50.00 does not relate to the civil claim they are making. Suggest you contact them for more information or hire a local attorney for assistance.