(Store) corporate policy violation

[DisheartenedKS]

My son is 15 and was stopped for shoplifting an item costing less than $6. He has never been in any trouble before. A corporate policy on shoplifting states no charges if under 16 and the merchandise is less than $25. Also they are to call parents first and wait an hour before calling authorities. She never called us and contacted the police before even asking his age. Now we have a summons to appear and a lawyer is charging $750. Do we have any recourse against the store concerning internal policy violation? We feel our son was treated unjustly due to an employee unfamiliar with the company policy.

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a retail theft consultant and answer question similar to your daily. If (store you should not have named) did violate their shoplifting policy (its not as simple as you put it) it wont change fact your child stole or spare you the defense costs.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Just to add there are and can be circumstances where the policy can be ignored or violated as you state. Without knowing all details of the event its not possible to say.

 

[disagreeable]

You can certainly complain to the corporate office your son who is a thief was prosecuted as a thief. It is unlikely it will get you anywhere.

 

[mightymoose]

There is no legal obligation for the store to follow it's own policy. Their policy really has nothing to do with it.
Before paying any fees or doing anything else, speak with a local attorney about your options. You can likely escape this by paying a lot less and still avoid criminal action against son.
In some jurisdictions this would be handled as a simple infraction and not even generate a criminal charge.