Civil Demand For Minor In Massachusetts

[tiger101]

My 14-year old son was caught shoplifting in CVS (about $4 stolen merchandise), and on the spot he immediately admitted being a shoplifter. That is his first time. There are no criminal charges.
I was told I would need to pay civil demand charges (between $150 and $500). Also, he is banned from entering any CVS store nationwide for a year, otherwise he would be prosecuted criminally for trespassing. He is saying he has not signed any papers at all.
My questions are:
1. If sometime later he would have a background check by potential employer (in 10 years, for instance), would they see it?
2. In particular, what happens if he applies for employment at CVS in 10 years?
3. What would the civil demand be for this time?
4. Is there a way to negotiate the amount or change it otherwise, for instance, in court?

[panther10758]

1. If sometime later he would have a background check by potential employer (in 10 years, for instance), would they see it?

Depends on the background check but in many cases minor records are sealed

2. In particular, what happens if he applies for employment at CVS in 10 years?

Thats up to CVS

3. What would the civil demand be for this time?

Civil Demand is state law and allows retialers to recoup some of the cost of shoplifting

4. Is there a way to negotiate the amount or change it otherwise, for instance, in court?

Civil Demand is not a court action its Civil. If you choose to fight it you will likely lose and have to pay higher fines plus court and legal costs