Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Shoplifting in New Jersey

My son who is a minor (under 18 years old) was stopped for a shoplifting incident. I received a phone call from the establishment telling me what had happened and that they would release him (no police were called in or involved) and that he was banned from the establishment for a period of time. They also told me that the matter was between them and us and that no police or courts would be involved. They mentioned that we would be receiving a civil demand letter in the mail requesting monetary damages. How do they come up with the amount of damages? Are there rules that determine the amount? Do I or my son have to comply with their request for monetary damages and if we do, will that be the end of it?


Asked on 10/12/07, 11:24 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gary Moore Gary Moore Attorney At Law

Re: Shoplifting in New Jersey

The store gave your son a major break and saved you a lot of money by not having him arrested for shoplifting. No paying a lawyer! Secondly, the store is entitled to the payment of a minimum of $150.00 as a civil penalty. This is what they usually seek. You should pay it immediately; it is not too late for your son to be prosecuted.

Gary Moore, Esquire

Hackensack, New Jersey

www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com

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Answered on 10/13/07, 9:06 am
Daniel Cevallos Cevallos & Wong, LLP

Re: Shoplifting in New Jersey

Basically, they are giving you a deal. You can fight it if you want, but then they will go to the police, and they can still seek the civil damages anyway. I doubt they are going to rake you over the coals, because that would be throwing good money after bad--it probably costs more to get money from you than the amount you'll be paying.

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Answered on 10/13/07, 10:51 am


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