Do I have to pay the $300 damages and penalties for shoplifting incident committed by my son?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Do I have to pay the $300 damages and penalties for shoplifting incident committed by my son?
The merchant has asked me to pay regarding shoplifting by my 14 year old son. I am low income worker so I cannot afford to pay what they are asking.
Asked on November 21, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
What you are being asked to pay is known as a "civil demand". In such cases, these demands are routinely made, however, they are rarely acted upon. As a practical matter, your chances of being sued are almost zero. So you can ignore the letter if you want. Yet, be aware that if you don't pay this first demand you will get second, and for possibly an even higher amount. Again, you can choose to ignore it. However if you decide to make payment, pay no more than $50 or so. Write a letter to them - do not speak with them directly. These people are known for their intimidating and threatening tactics.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.