Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
My son, who is 21, was caught leaving the store with less than $20 worth of merchandise. He was handcuffed and detained (not arrested/no rights read), then signed a criminal/civil release form and a trespass notification form AND had is picture taken. I have a couple of questions and I hope you guys can help me make sense of this. Will he have to pay the amount he stole and will there be a civil fine and how much? I'm not sure about the laws in Texas, so any help is appreciated. Bottom line, how long will it be before Steve & Barry's attornys will contact him and will he have to go to court or pay a fine or both? Thanks!
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston,TX
Were Police contacted? If not then he was not charged. Now Civil Demand based on dollar value he stole he can expect a Civil fine of around $200.00 (Don't hold me to that)
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston,TX
Thank you for your reply. The LP said they were police, one even showed a badge right before they handcuffed him outside the store before taking him inside. No rights were read, nothing on camera's because there aren't any in that store. The other LP was a woman and she claimed to be police also, but no badge was shown. They told him to sign the Criminal/Civil release form and Trespass Notification. Truely no solid evidence that there was a crime commited other than my son's signature. He had a couple of bags that they took with two pairs of shorts (that he bought) in them and never gave them back.
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
They could have been off duty police working store LP. Also your rights only have to be read if they are going to question you. Do not call the store, because I doubt they will answer your questions. Also, if he can provide receipts for the merchandise they confiscated, I am sure that he can have them back.
There is probably more to the story than you know. Also, I bet that they have proof a crime was committed.
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
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mrsjamesspader
My son, who is 21, was caught leaving the store with less than $20 worth of merchandise.
Was he caught with the merchandise or not? Also, him being 21 means that they will not talk to you about the incident.
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
he is an adult so they will NOT tell you anything about the case. And there is plenty of evidence... he HAD the stolen merchandise on him. No more then that needed. He will pay a fine and that is all. He is lucky that is how it has gone down with out the police to add to the problems he will have
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
Well If I were you I would have you son call the store and ask a manager if they are prosecuting you crimanaly.
Secondly, Your son CAN be charged without calling the police. I do it every day. All that needs to be done is for LP to fill out the paperwork and send it off to the prosecuting attorney.
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
My son now has a terrific attorney. Thanks for your concerns.:D
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
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dakota_sydney
Well If I were you I would have you son call the store and ask a manager if they are prosecuting you crimanaly.
Secondly, Your son CAN be charged without calling the police. I do it every day. All that needs to be done is for LP to fill out the paperwork and send it off to the prosecuting attorney.
if you were gonna do that...do you by any chance know how long it takes for the person to know that they are being criminally prosecuted? ...like does the court date come w the civil demand letter or sepereatly...or usually after it...i know its different for every store but i was hoping you could answer my question
Re: Caught Shoplifting in Steve and Barry's in Houston, Texas
Charges are usually filed quickly, but sometimes it takes a few weeks to a few months. There have been people here who have reported being charged after almost a year.