Nevada Revised Statutes 597.870 – Shoplifting: Civil liability of parent or guardian of minor who steals merchandise from or damages property on merchant’s premises
1. The parent or legal guardian, as the case may be, of a minor who steals merchandise from, or damages property on, a merchant’s premises is civilly liable for:
Terms Used In Nevada Revised Statutes 597.870
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Fair market value: The price at which an asset would change hands in a transaction between a willing, informed buyer and a willing, informed seller.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
(a) The retail value of the merchandise; and
(b) The fair market value of the damaged property, plus damages of not less than $100 nor more than $250, costs of suit and reasonable attorney’s fees. An action may be brought even if there has been no criminal conviction for the theft or damage. Recovery under this section may be had in addition to, and is not limited by, any other provision of law which limits the liability of a parent or legal guardian for the tortious conduct of a minor.
2. An action under this section may be brought as a small claim in a Justice Court if the total amount sought does not exceed the statutory limit for such a claim.