Minor Caught Shoplifting in New York

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York

My daughter was with a friend of hers. They were caught shoplifting approximately $75 worth of merchandise. My daughter actually had none of the items in her possession. They were detained before they left the store. The majority of the items were un-opened and taken from the girls. No charges were formally filed, the police were not called. My wife had to sign a piece of paper, which they would not give us a copy of. We offered to pay for all of the merchandise on the spot. The security employee refused, said that we would get a letter from the regional office. The letter we recieved was from a law firm that is charging both sets of parents the full $75. This ticked me off because we offered to pay for the merchandise and now they refer is to a law firm so they can make their money? We met with the sotre manager a second time and asked him what he did with the merchandise. He stated he had placed it back on the shelf. Can a merchant do this, especially if no formal charges were filed? We are in no way tying to "get out" of this, and will gladly pay for the items. Any help would be appreciated.

[QUOTE=restorator22;241164]My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York

My daughter was with a friend of hers. They were caught shoplifting approximately $75 worth of merchandise. My daughter actually had none of the items in her possession. They were detained before they left the store. The majority of the items were un-opened and taken from the girls. No charges were formally filed, the police were not called. My wife had to sign a piece of paper, which they would not give us a copy of. We offered to pay for all of the merchandise on the spot. The security employee refused, said that we would get a letter from the regional office. The letter we recieved was from a law firm that is charging both sets of parents the full $75. This ticked me off because we offered to pay for the merchandise and now they refer is to a law firm so they can make their money? We met with the sotre manager a second time and asked him what he did with the merchandise. He stated he had placed it back on the shelf. Can a merchant do this, especially if no formal charges were filed? We are in no way tying to "get out" of this, and will gladly pay for the items. Any help would be appreciated.[/QUO


Just pay the fine your daughter owes for stealing. The company uses a law firm to handle this. It is not as if they filed charges which it sounds like they should have. YOu are VERY VERY lucky they are only asking for the $75. Most would be seeking over $200 for that amount. They did not let you buy the items because it was evidence at that time. Your daughter lost her right and your right to purchase those itmes at that time. Yes the store has every right to place them back for sale. why would you think they would not?

Gee thanks for your help.

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The letter we recieved was from a law firm that is charging both sets of parents the full $75. This ticked me off because we offered to pay for the merchandise and now they refer is to a law firm so they can make their money? We met with the sotre manager a second time and asked him what he did with the merchandise. He stated he had placed it back on the shelf. Can a merchant do this, especially if no formal charges were filed?

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This is called a Civil Demand, not paying it would lead to bigger fines and problems

The cost of the items, whether they left the store, or if you offered
to pay is irrevalent

You could have been charged up to $500, as stated above be verrrrrry
thankful the cost is only $75

And I hope your daughter doesn't plan a career in retail because she has
now probably been added to a National Retailer database . . . this can affect
employment

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Quoting restorator22

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Gee thanks for your help.

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What did you want? Just pay the stupid $75 and feel very lucky. BEST ADVICE you will get on this. So you are welcome.