Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Our minor daughter (16) was arrested along with three friends for shoplifting, at this time we have not appeared in court and all merchandise was recovered. We received a letter from an attorney for the store demanding $350 to satisfy a civil claim. Are we required to pay this before any legal proceedings have taken place?


Asked on 4/14/15, 7:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cynthia Henley Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

Forget the letter (and the subsequent ones you will receive.) Those are civil demand letters which are totally separate from any potential criminal case. If the amount is not paid, the letters will get more demanding and demand more money, and then they will stop. The only way they can recover if you do not pay is to sue, and the limitation on damages will not cover the costs they will incur in suing. (If you get sued, don't ignore it, but it won't happen.)

If you or your daughter get a letter or call from juvenile or probation, you must cooperate.

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Answered on 5/01/15, 4:48 pm


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