Should I respond to a letter from a law firm requesting payment for a shoplifting charge?
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Should I respond to a letter from a law firm requesting payment for a shoplifting charge?
A young adult friend of mine was arrested for shoplifting. A week later she got a letter from a law firm representing the store that says in essence give us $200 and we won’t sue you. The item value is about $10 – $20. She wants to put this behind her and is tempted to pay. There is nothing in the letter about not pressing charges, just the offer to NOT consider bringing further civil action against her. If she pays I have the feeling she will still be in front of a judge with potential additional penalties. There is no mention of dropping charges.No court date yet. No lawyer either.
Asked on March 16, 2012 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If your friend was arrested for shoplifting, she will have a criminal matter stemming from it. The letter from the attorney is on behalf of the store that had merchandise stolen where the money demanded is a civil demand separate from the criminal proceeding. If the civil demand is not paid, then there may be a civil lawsuit stemming from the criminal matter for your friend.
I suggest that your friend consult with a criminal defense attorney about the shoplifting charge and the civil demand against her. My sentiment is to pay the civil demand for a full release in writing as to any civil lawsuit by the shop owner. It might help in the criminal matter.
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