Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

In April, my daughter was apprehended at Kohls for shoplifting. They told her that she would have to pay them a fee. She hired a lawyer to help and he instructed her not to pay the fee- that it wasn't necessary. Since then, she took an anti-theft class and her case was dismissed.

She's been getting letters from Kohls about the money, even now. Last week, we received a letter from another lawyer that says "You have failed to make payment of $200.00 after written demand to do so. Kohls amy now make further effort to obtain payment for this claim. Under OH Law Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Section 2307.60, 2307.61, and/or 3109.09, Kohls has a civil claim against you.

You can satisfy this civil claim by making the payment of $200.00 within 30 days upon receipt of this letter. This is not an attempt to collect a debt."

I don't understand why they're charging her $200.00. When they apprehended her, she gave them all the merchandise back.

I'd really appreciate some legal advice, because I can't afford to spend anything more on this incident.


Asked on 9/16/13, 9:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

According to the law that he cited, the victims in these kinds of cases are allowed to ask for special damages and the $200 actually is far less than any other shoplifting case I have ever heard. Their lost time is essentially the basis of the claim, regardless of the fact that the property was returned... It should be paid before it gets any higher.

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Answered on 9/16/13, 9:47 am


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