What would happen if I ignored a civil demand letter?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What would happen if I ignored a civil demand letter?
I was stopped after leaving a store one day because the friend that I was with had stolen a couple of mascaras. I never took anything but since I was with her, I was considered an accomplice. They split the charges between the 2 of us, and now I have received a demand letter for $300. I do not feel like iI should have to pay for this. Do you recommend I pay it in full, pay half or ignore?
Asked on May 28, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
These civil demands are routinely made but rarely, if ever, acted upon. In other words your chances of being sued are virtually zero. So you can choose to ignore this letter if you want. Be aware, if you don't pay after this first letter you will get second, and it will request an even higher amount. Again, you can choose to ignore it. If, however, you do decide to make payment, pay no more than a token amount (in this case $25 or so, plus the retail value of any merchandise that may have been too damaged for them to re-sell). I would put this in a letter to them; don't speak with them directly. These people are notorious for their threatening and intimidating tactics.
You didn't mention any criminal action so I will assume that this did not become a police matter. However, if it did, and you do choose to pay the demand prior to a court appearance, such a payment may or may not negatively affect your case. It could be seen as an admission of guilt.
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.