Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York

Friend is potentially being sued for shoplifing

A friend of mine (late 20's, no prior arrests of any kind) was arrested for shoplifting about $225 of clothing (in the state of New York), and has now received a letter from the attorney for the store asking for $500 or they ''may'' sue him. Should he pay? Is there a way to get a lawyer to make a call or send a letter to the store's attorney without paying a large retainer, etc.? He doesn't have the money for a lawyer but has been told that the law firm may back down if he has a lawyer contact them. Are there any services which can help him out? Thanks!


Asked on 7/16/08, 11:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Cohen

Re: Friend is potentially being sued for shoplifing

Was your friend charged or simply released? Did a judge order restitution, or does your friend not know yet whether he will be charged?

Your friend should wait and see whether a prosecutor will press charges.

If the State has decided to do nothing, then your friend can choose not to pay; the store will have a hard time proving your friend actually stole anything.

I don't know of any public service that can help your friend in drafting a letter to the store.

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Answered on 7/19/08, 1:21 pm


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