Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in South Carolina
I was trying collars on my puppy at a store and left the collar on the dog. I was carrying the puppy in my purse. After I checked out and paid for numerous things I was stopped right before I walked out the door, and was accused of theft. It was an honest mistake, I had paid for everything else which totaled MUCH more then the 6 or 7 dollar dog collar. They took my information and I payed for the dog collar and left. Now I'm getting phone calls from a civil law firm that specializes in recovery of civil theft penalties and damages from dishonest associates or shoplifters. The store suffered no losses. Do I owe fees or some kind of fine?
1 Answer from Attorneys
No, you probably do not and if I were you I would tell them as much. However, they may use the threat of reporting you to the police to get you to pay them. At that point I would think about hiring an attorney.