Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Juvenille shoplifting

I received a call from Six Flags Amusement Park that they had my son and that he was picked up for shoplifting. They were going to eject him from the park and his season pass was being taken. He would also be fined $250. No details were given to me and the woman I talked to said she would call back and didn't. I got the details from my son and the others that were there. He picked up a ring valued at about $3.00 from the floor of the store and left the store when they stopped him. He knew this was wrong. They also took things that belonged to him and accused him of stealing those also.I did get a letter from an attorney asking for the $250. The letter also states that he stole merchandise valued at $17.98. The letter threatens legal action if there's no response in 20 days. My son has never been involved in anything like this before.

I feel that they were right to eject him from the park and to take his pass but the $250 fine seems a bit much. I think they are just trying to get money. Plus I don't like the way anything was handled. They accused him of stealing things he didn't take. They took his stuff. Why didn't they hold him until I got there? He is a minor after all. Where did they come up with the $17.98?


Asked on 9/19/03, 8:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Juvenille shoplifting

You may want to count your blessings that they are not going to press charges. Ask the attorney for a detailed statement. Make your son pay it off - it may be the best lesson he can get!

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Answered on 9/19/03, 12:05 pm


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