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Shoplifting in California at Forever 21

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  • 06-24-2010, 12:29 AM
    dustdustdust
    Shoplifting in California at Forever 21
    Was caught shoplifting in Forever 21 (CA). I am an adult.

    I signed a few papers admitting that I had stolen $17 worth of merchandise. They took a copy of my id, and asked for other basic information, then proceeded to tell me that I would receive a letter in the mail.

    Palmer Reifler sent one letter out May 22, stating a fine for $500, and 20 days to pay that. I wasn't aware of the letter until today. (It had been sent to a different address, and the people living there never bothered to contact me until now) Obviously this offer has since expired.

    Letter two was sent June 18, stating that the fine was now $700 and that I would have 10 days to pay this.

    It's for a civil suit. I've skimmed a few other entries on the forum, and it seems like I should just settle and send in a payment. The law firm that represents forever 21 is asking for payment (check written for them). Does that sound right (sorry, but I really don't know how this should work)? Versus forever 21 asking the check be written out to them? I just want to make sure I'm not somehow getting scammed here.

    What should my course of action be? Will I have to go to court at all? Also, after paying, does anything go on my criminal record? Does it go on any sort of record at all? Will it show up in background checks?

    Also, earlier I was looking up things on the internet, and the general consensus seems to be that Palmer Reifler doesn't normally follow up on such small claims. How true is that?
  • 06-24-2010, 07:42 AM
    PandorasBox
    Re: Shoplifting in California Forever 21
    I'd pay it.
  • 07-15-2010, 05:42 PM
    surfingcamell
    Re: Shoplifting in California at Forever 21
    I am in a same situation, if you can't get a diversion program or infraction, it will show up in your background checks and will make it hard for you to go to college/university, and it will make it a living hell for a job (according to what everyone else says). If its your first one then you may be eligible for a diversion program. Plead not guilty and then ask for a public defendant (only if you cannot afford a attorny/lawyer), then hopefully you will be able to work something out.

    It would be cool to see if anyone has gone to court by themselves and dealth with it themselves, I think that is what I am planning on doing.
  • 07-15-2010, 07:11 PM
    pinky54656
    Re: Shoplifting in California at Forever 21
    It is in your best interest to pay it. My company will sue the crap out of you if you don't. Also, ethically you should pay it.

    To both of you; If you do not pay the law firm, more than likely it will be sent to collections. I know you are young, but going to collection WILL be a bad mark on your credit report and will effect getting a job, getting into school, getting loans, ect. It might go to collections BEFORE it goes to court. It's not worth it. And collections stay on your credit report for 6 YEARS! I am still suffering from my past mistakes, sill making it hard to get a loan or credit card. But to each their own.
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