Quote Quoting disappointed mom
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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?

She can be penalized twice for this. One would be a civil penalty, and the other is the criminal penalty. This is a common practice and the penalty should be paid.

I told my daughters that if they ever shoplifted that THEY would have to pay for all their fines. I also told them that if I ever got a phone call about them being in custody that I would tell the officer that they can make themselves at home. I'd be in aboslutely no hurry to go pick them up.