
Quoting
disappointed mom
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
My 15 year old daughter was caught shoplifting at Walmart. We were told that we would be contacted by the juvenile court about a court date within 2 weeks. She took $35 worth of merchandise. Is this a criminal or civil charge? She did not receive any documention from Walmart the day of the incident. Should we have received a ticket or citation of some kind? I was contacted 11 days after the incident by a law firm that said they represented Walmart. They wanted me to supply them with a cc# to pay a $200 civil fee imposed by Walmart. I find it unusual for a law firm to call and ask for a $200 payment with a credit card. Is this common practice? If I pay this, does my daughter have to go to court TOO. Seems like she is receiving two penalties for the same offense. The lady I spoke to from the law firm thought the fee is all that would be required, unless, Walmart also files criminal charges. Any advice?