Asked 8/9/17 – Grand Prairie, TX

My 17 year old son was caught stealing last week from the Kohl’s. ,What kind of charges can we expect. He said that he took some 11.00 earrings and a 50.00 pair. He was followed outside the store and asked to return these items and to sign statement agreeing not to go back to Kohl’s again. We received letter today from the stores legal dept. stating they have right to seek civil relief against you and recover 225.00 “which is without regard to the return of the merchandise.” by end of the month 8/27/17. “This amount may be in addition to any amount you may be required to pay as a fine under any criminal proceedings brought against you but is not dependent on any criminal prosecution. Kohl has no power to control criminal prosecution.

Answer

Disregard the civil demand letter. If your son was issued a citation, however, contact a local attorney immediately. Theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and a conviction on this type of matter can affect him for the rest of his life.