Shoplifting Incident at Kohls

[PrettySky54]

I live in Ohio and I am eighteen years old (17 at the time of offense). My friend and I were caught shoplifting at a Kohl's department store over the summer. They took our names and info, banned us from the store, and called our parents to come and get us. There was never any contact with the police, and they said they wouldn't call the police because they realize we are young and make mistakes. We would just have to pay a small fee that would come in a letter in the mail. Well, the small fee turned out to $175. The amount of merchandise only totalled to about $50 and it was all returned on the spot in perfect condition. My friend's fee was also $175, even though her merchandise total was different. Do they really have the ability to just make up a fee and to charge me? And if i don't pay this fee, can I go to court even though the police were never involved? Thanks.

[panther10758]

I strongly urge you to pay and yes thats low compared to most. If you fail to pay they can do a number of things

. Triple the fine
. Sue you in court and win!
. Press the charges from shoplift
. All of the above

By the way if they sue you expect charge to go way up and expect the pay court cost and legal fees on top of that. Civil Demand is state law!

[aaron]

It's called a civil demand. It's authorized by statute. If you don't pay it they can sue you, perhaps also increasing the fee and recovering their lawyer fees. Nonpayment may also lead them to reconsider their prior decision not to involve the police.

[usedbranflakes]

Your lawyer will cost you much more than $175 and having a clean criminal record is a steal. Sorry...bad pun.
Many states have a minimum amount, by statute, that is charged as a civil remediation fee.
I am not an attorney so I can't say pay it and quit stealing.