Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

shoplifting

A friend of mine's 16 year old son shoplifted some merchandise from a store-less than $10 worth. The store told my friend that they would not call the police but she would be hearing from their lawyer. The store's lawyer informed her that she needed to pay $250 within 20 days and if she could not pay it in 20 days the amount would go up to $560. Is this legal? It sounds like extortion to me.

thanks


Asked on 12/04/08, 2:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Manning James Manning, PC

Re: shoplifting

I would be happy to help you with this. The store most likely will try to get money from the kid who stole by demanding payment under the liquidated damages statute. The store or its attorney will say that if the money is not paid, the kid will be sued. However, there will most likely not be a lawsuit because it is not economical. I help people in this situation by telling the attorney for the store to get lost. This almost always resolves the situation because the attorney for the store makes money by sending demand letters, not litigating in court.

I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to call me if I can of assistance with this.

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Answered on 12/04/08, 5:36 pm


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