Home > Research Legal Advice > Criminal Defense > My friend and i got caught shop lifting in the mall at target.
Asked 5 months ago - Holyoke, MA
Flagwhen we left the store a man stopped us and asked to look in the bag, perfect timing for a cop to be casually walking into target at the same time. we gave them our names and IDs when they asked and they said we were 20 dollars off from it being a a federal crime or something, anyways me and my friend are 18.. the mall cop or some sort of cop came, and wrote down our names and licenses, we has a clean record, no trouble in school, no criminal charges or anything.... so my question is should we ignore the mail and assume they will stop coming or go to small claims court? will it stop coming eventually or what will happen if we dont answer it? whats most beneficial for us?
I'm a little confused by what you're asking because you haven't stated what exactly came in the mail. My guess is what came in the mail was one of two things either A) a civil demand letter for money from Target or B) a subpoena to appear in court. If it was a subpoena or any kind of court document DO NOT ignore it. If it tells you to be in court on a certain day or time, make sure you appear. If on the other hand it was a civil demand letter for money then that is less serious, but they have a right legally to send it to you. Hope this answer helped a little.
I am unclear on what you are considering ignoring. If you think you will get a summons in the mail, do not ignore it otherwise a warrant will be issued for your arrest. In many jurisdictions the retailer can charge you a fee for security expenses and there may be a statute that allows them to do so. I have seen attorneys tell client to not pay it. However, the store can file a civil suit and even request the police to file charges. I suggest complying with what the law dictates.
Although you don't explain it the question, "should we ignore the mail . . ." indicates to me you are receiving what are know as civil demand letters. They will continue for a time and normally reflect greater and greater amounts to satisfy them. I consistently advise clients to ignore these letters. This is an extremely common issue on this site. If you look at them (Btw I am not recommending that you do so) you will see various recommendations out there. My impression, however, is that a distinct majority of responding attorneys advise as I do to ignore them. If you receive something from the courts, do not ignore that and retain counsel immediately. I think the chances of that happening at this point if it has not already happened is slim and none. Do not post any further details on the Internet.
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