Kohl's Shoplifting Incident in California

I am 19 and was shopping at kolas, where I bought two pares of shorts but pocketed 4 pairs of earring's that totaled $70.00. I was spotted on camera putting the earrings in a pocket of a dress i tried on later. As i walked out of the store a security guy who watches the cameras called me out on not purchasing all my merchandise, and took me to the back room. They took my picture and my information, they also had me sign a paper that i was guilty and not to return to kohl's ever again. The man was nice and talked to me about what will happen, and all he said was that I am not going to jail, and he wasn't calling the cops. Him and I were the only ones dealing with my situation, and a girl as a witness in the room since i was a female and he was a male. He then told me that i may or may not get a letter in the mail with a fine, but if i do i was to pay what ever the cost was and that will be the end of it. I ended up receiving a letter in the mail in CT where I am originally from... I go t college in CA and the cost was which was $325.00. This letter is from the law offices of MICHEAL IRA ASEN, P.C. attorney at law. My mother has done research on this website and told me not to pay it although i feel i should, so it will be the end of it, and i can move on and learn from my pour choice. Today I received a second letter saying i have 10 more days to pay it and the price still has not changed. My question is what would be my best choice? What should i do at this point, and will they leave me alone if i pay it, should i send a letter or a letter before paying saying if i pay you will not take this claim any further and will leave me be? PLEASE ANY ADVISE WOULD MEAN SO MUCH TO ME THANK YOU.

I was or should say, am in the same situation! Was caught at Kohl's, and the LP had me arrested! I had a Kohls bag with a pair of sneakers, and a pair of shorts hidden inside, and had two items of clothing that I switched the tags on! Ahhhhhhh! What a stupid mistake I made in my life! I am 40 yrs old with no record! But anyway, now I have to go to court! I have gotten a lawyer, just to keep me from getting convicted. But yes, that's exactly where my civil demand letter came from. My total stolen was $117, but my civil demand was only $175. Could be the different state, I'm in NJ. My lawyer told me to pay it, think it could be just my situation, but it might be better just to pay it and be done with it, it could affect your credit down the road.

Oh, and for those security guys, watch out for them! They walk around the store like they are regular shoppers! I saw this guy earlier in the shoe department holding a shirt! If I only knew he was creeping me! He proceeded to tell me he saw everything on camera! This was on April 30th and my lawyer still hasn't gotten the video evidence yet!

Want to know what can happen if you pay this Civil Suit?

You'll get another letter....and another. The amounts will increase in each. Finally, the store can take you to Civil Court (and ad in their legal fees). Once they win a judgment again you, and you still don't pay....it goes on your credit score.

Guess who checks your credit rating? Potential employers. Apartments. Wanna buy or lease a car, they check your credit rating, too. So does your insurance company.

Next up....that judgment they would win again you....take the current amount, triple it, add in $200/hr lawyer fees....

Oh...and since they did not file criminal charges, well....they have 1-2 years (varies by state) to do so. And believe me, if they file charges, the judge will be asking you if you have paid the Civil Demand.....

But...it's up to you and Mom if you feel like gambling......