My Daughter Shoplifted

[Lilangl64]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California


My daughter is a minor who shoplifted. She was 16 years old at the time. She stole $15 worth of merchandise from forever 21 in San Fransisco. When she was going to leave the store she was pulled to the side by a worker and security officer and asked to open her bags and show reciepts. She admitted to shoplifting and then they took her information. Soon after I received a phone call stating either her father or I had to come and pick her up. My husband went to pick her up and his license was photographed. They handed him a generic notice saying that we were guilty of shoplifting and "may be contacted by our lawyers." We hadn't heard from them for a while, but one month later we get a notice in the mail. Basically, the notice said that we could pay $500 within 20 days and all of this would go away OR we may be asked to appear in civil court.


My question is....What Should I Do?....How likely are they to go through with civil court?

[PJ Weber]

Basically, the notice said that we could pay $500 within 20 days and all of this would go away OR we may be asked to appear in civil court

This is called a Civil Demand, since PD were no involved there are no
'Criminal' penalties. The cost of the civil demand is irrevalent to the
value of the item taken. If the civil demand is not paid legal action
could be taken

Technically it will go away, a file will be kept at the store and,
her name will be entered into a National Retailer Database that
could hinder retail employment for her

Since no criminal action was taken she doesn't have a record

[Lilangl64]

Would it be best to pay the $500 now or go to civil court?

How likely are they to ask us to appear in civil court?

[Security Consultant]

If you fail to respond they very well may take you to Court. When I was in charge of such programs I had a policy of doing so.

[cyjeff]

Would it be best to pay the $500 now or go to civil court?

How likely are they to ask us to appear in civil court?

About 95%.

Then, when a summary judgement is reached (and it will be... your daughter signed a confession), you will pay the judgement, the legal fees of both parties and the court costs.

Could easily double the amount owed.

[PJ Weber]

Would it be best to pay the $500 now or go to civil court?

Yes

Civil court fines will easily be over $1000