Minor Caught Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia

My 14 year old nephew and his 15 year old friend were caught shoplifting. The amount of theft was under $40. Police were called to the store where theft occured, parents called, and both boys were released to the parents from the store. This week, my nephew and his parents will meet with the police officer assigned to this case. The police officer said it will definitely not be going to court nor will the boys be seeing a judge. He said the punishment might be community service, a letter of apology to the store and maybe classes.

Here is my question - Today, my nephew's parents received a letter from the retailers attorney. They are demanding $150 for "Civil action to recover damages for theft of personal property." Do they need to pay the $150?.... because the police officer said the case will definitely not be going to court/nor will my nephew be seeing a judge.

Why are you asking for them? If they don't care enough to ask about it, why do you?

If they choose not to pay the civil demand, the retailer will have the option of suing them and trying to recover attorney fees on top of the civil penalty. They are free to take their chances.

You may be expecting the exact same letter.

Yes, it needs to be paid. The store can send another letter for a higher amount, then another for a higher amount, then sue in Civil Court, adding in attorney fees. If still not paid, it would be reflected on the parents credit histories.

The police officer really can't tell you what/will not happen. The report is filed with the police, who turn it over to the prosecutor.

If Community Service is a part of the punishment....the parents get to pay for it, it's not free, and the community service work needs to be supervised and documented.

Reply to Mr Knowitall

Nephews parents are from Greece, speak our language, however, writing in English is very difficult for them. And they don't know a thing about computers. Nephews parents are very devastated about what their son did. And I know my nephew is very angry and upset with himself that he did something horrible and stupid like this.

If they want to teach junior a lesson, they can have him work off his fines. I'm sure there are plenty of unpleasant tasks around their home, neighbor's homes, friends' and family's homes, for junior to do in order to earn his way out of the mess he's made.