Going to Court and Paying a Civil Demand for Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington. About a month ago I was caught shoplifting about 27 dollars worth of food from a local grocery store. I have no prior arrests or convictions. The arresting officer mentioned something about how it might qualify for diversion. I was wondering what is required for that and how I go about it.

The second question I had was that the retail store sent me a civil demand asking for 300 dollars. I was wondering how this works exactly. How is the amount for the civil demand chosen? I received another piece of paper with it that said something along the lines that the amount chosen could be between 100 to 650. Is the number just chosen arbitrarily?

The amount is usually something like X times the value of the merchandise, or a minimum or maximum amount. You do need to pay this, as they can take you to Civil Court, and the amount will be much higher (add in attorney fees).

As for a Diversion program, you need to talk to a lawyer about that. If you can't afford a lawyer, plead Not Guilty and ask for a public defender.