What do I do if my minor child was caught shoplifting?

Question Details: My daughter was stopped at a store accused of shoplifting. She was taken into a back room and was made to fill out papers without letting her try to call me as they took her phone. When I got to the store, they refused to let me see the papers that she filled out and also refused to let me see the video of her stealing. However, they said that they found the merchandise on the floor. Also, today I received a letter in mail demanding $200. What do I do now?

Asked on 7/29/2019 under: Criminal Defense Alabama

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S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney Answered 4 months ago | Contributor

If you pay the amount demanded by the deadline, that should end the matter without involvement of law enforcement. If the amount demanded is not paid by the deadline, the store might refer the matter to the police.
The letter you received should explain everything.
Your child may be banned from the store.

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