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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    1

    Default Caught Shoplifting at Claire's In Washington

    13-year girl caught shoplifting for under $5 item, in Washington State. Item returned immediately when caught. Police called and took record. Claires store sent request for paying $250. Have not received anything from local court yet. Questions:

    1. Why does Claires company still request for payment when local police and court will charge? Can we deny payment to Claires but deal with local police and court only?

    2. Will local court request for plea guilty or not guilty? If yes, what is the proper plea?

    3. Should we definitely get a lawyer, or parents can represent the girl?

    4. What are the likely punishments? How should we mitigate with the court? Our bottomline is to leave no record for the child so her future is not stained.

    Really appreciate your kind help - knowing you may have answered such inquries many times. But to a 13-year old first time, this is huge deal that affects her life. Thank you!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Claires In Washington

    1. The $250 is called a Civil Demand, it is separate from the Criminal Charge. It is perfectly legal and common and should be paid. If you don't pay it, the parents credit rating will be affected.

    2. Unless the parents can afford a lawyer, Plea Not Guilty, ask for a public defender. To get a P.D. you need to show you cannot afford a lawyer. A P.D. will still cost some money, cost varies, but it is $250 in my area.

    3. If you can afford a lawyer, definitely.

    4. Court costs and fines. She may get Community Service, and you also pay for this privilege (someone has to do all the paperwork, keep track of hours, etc).

    As for her record - to my knowledge, it would be cleared by the time she is 18. Talk to a lawyer about this, and how to get her either a Diversion Program or 1st Time Offenders program, or Adjudication Withheld.

    Basically, one little shoplifting adventure can cost $1000 - $3000.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Caught Shoplifting at Claires In Washington

    Forgot to mention....regarding the Civil Demand...if you don't pay it now: This is what can happen (aside from the negative mark on the parents credit rating)

    - Amount doubles. Triples. Stores lawyers file Civil Suit, adding in Legal Fees. $250 now = more than $1000.

    Also, in my case, my lawyer instructed me to bring proof of payment of the C.D. to court, and showed it to the judge.

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