Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Parents Civilly responsible for Juv Shoplifting?

[Silverlining3NC]

Several months ago, my 12 year old daughter was stopped in a store with store merchandise in her possession. She was not charged and I thought the matter was behind us. We just got a civil demand letter from a law firm in NY, asking for $300. At first I thought it was a scam, but after a websearch I realize that their is a statute for stores to collect this. My question is am I truly responsible for this. The letter paraphrases the statue considers the parent responsible IF she had a "known propensity" for the act, which of course I didn't know. From other posts on this site, I assume that she signed a form giving her notice of the civil responsibility. She does not remember it and I did not get any copy. Bottom line...Am I responsible? What will happen if I do not respond to this letter, will they sue me directly? If I am responsible, can I offer to settle for less?

 

[Duranie]

she may not have been criminally charged because most stores allow parents and kids to pay a restitution. She was obviously processed as a shop-lifter. This demand letter is actually very common and if you do not pay they can take you back to court and add on legal fees on top of it, or proceed with filing charges against your daughter.

You are responsible for what your kids do. My step-daughter did something similar only she was working at the store and got busted for giving all sorts of inappropriate discounts. She was terminated and we got a demand letter. We made her pay it.

If I were you, pay it and arrnage your daughter to do extra chores, babysit. etc.. so that she is held accountable here.

Generally they will take a payment plan as well.