Legal Question in Disability Law in Massachusetts

I was shopping at Sears in MA. with my fiancee. We were also with our 18 mo. daughter in a jogging stroller. She was fussy, so we picked up $3 gloves for our sons and an outfit for her. We were pushing the stroller so I put the gloves on top of the hood of the stroller and hung the outfit w/ hanger on the carriage. I instictively pushed the gloves into the crease of the hood to keep them from falling from the movement of the carriage as we walked around. At check out, we paid for the outfit and forgot about the gloves! We continued to walk the mall for about ten minutes and I went into a bathroom. When I came out a man from the Sears said to come with him. We were detained for almost 2 hours, the police came, no criminal charges but were treated very rudely and accused over and over. they said they had me on tape concealing the gloves into the carriage, but they would not show the tape. They said no criminal charges but we would be charged around $350 for their time and services. They wanted me to sign a form, but I refused. They were unhappy and wrote on the form that I refused to cooperate. This was after I was read my miranda rights. Then, I was also told I could come back tomorrow and continue to shop there and at the mall. It's been 2 months and I got a letter yesterday from their attorney for $375 noting 85R 1/2 law. I did something stupid, but it was an accident. Should I pay? Am I going to be charged? I am a teacher, no record, mother of three, and very scared. Thank you


Asked on 2/15/11, 4:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Paul Lancia Attorney Paul Lancia

Respond to the Attorney's letter as to the facts of the incident.

Sounds to me like they are pushing this a bit too far.

Contact me if you need any assistance.

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Answered on 2/16/11, 4:39 pm


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