My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
I went to C21 store, Manhattan on March 2 to buy a wallet. I like the wallet (which cost $30) and went to the counter to buy it. Salesperson(girl) ask me to wait as they want to cross check price with their Manager. After few minutes, 2 big man came and told me, this is not the original price tag(original tag of wallet cost $50). They start asking me weird question like have you any idea, how this tag came on this wallet? First of all, I have not changed tag and I really dont know how the tag was there. Tag was already in the wallet case. I took the wallet and wallet case to the counter. I argued I didn't change the tag. They said if tag was not stick to the wallet(as tag was in the wallet case), you should have come to the counter and asked is this the right tag for this wallet but you assumed this tag as correct tag. This is your fault. Now you have to come with us.
At this moment, They gave me 2 option- To go with them to sign a paper(which say you will not be allowed in C21 store for 7 years and there is no other harm) and go back freely or if you dont sign a paper we are calling Cops. I was not sure what to do but I signed the paper( There were 3 pages, first page state my name and details- I signed it. Second page states- I change the tag for the amount difference $20.- I didnot sign it. Third page - He didn't let me read and said, you have to sign or we are calling cops. I said what is written, he said it states you are not allowed to C21 for 7 years.- I signed it. ).
Now, yesterday I receive a letter from C21 lawyer demanding $100 as civil claim.
My question is- 1)Should I pay fine for something I didnot done? And If I pay does this mean I accept the charges on me.
(2) If I don't pay, what are the consequences? What is the worst case?
BOTTOM LINE- I need a relief from it. Please help me...