Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Shoplifting

I sent my daughters Cybill (18) and Bria (17) to shop for Easter shoe on April 7, 2007. Bria found some shoes but realized they left my VISA card in the car and ran out the store with the shoes in her hand and was stopped by an employee of the store. They did not tell me of the incident because the employee said there wasn't going to be any charges but she did sign a paper but she doesn't know what it said but was told that she had to sign it. My other daughter did not sign any paper. I received in the mail from an attorney a letter requesting $200 for Cybill--name removed--and $175 for Bria--name removed--which the attorney is saying the store is seeking civil relief against my daughters.

There is also in another paragraph in the letter is that we also may be fined if there are any criminal proceedings.

My question is what is my next step. Do I pay the $375 and see if they press criminal charges or what?

Thanks

--name removed--Allen


Asked on 4/16/07, 10:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

Re: Shoplifting

Texas has a statute the permits merchants to recover their costs in apprhending shoplifters. I don't know what was signed, but the store has two problems in the case you discribed, first, no charges were brought and second, it probably would have had to pay the people who apprehended your daughters anyway.

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Answered on 4/17/07, 12:54 am


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