What does a statutory civil damages claim mean after being charged with petite theft?

What does a statutory civil damages claim mean after being charged with petite theft?

I recently was charged with petite theft from a store and have to appear in court in a few weeks. I got a letter in the mail from a law firm saying that the store may consider moving forward with a statutory civil damages claim against me. They are asking that I pay a settlement amount of $200. If I pay that within 20 days of the date of the letter I will get a written realease of the claim. What does that mean and is it seperate from what I am already going to court for?

Asked on March 4, 2012 under Criminal Law, Florida

Answers:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.