Caught Stealing From Walmart

My question involves criminal law for the state of: illinois

got caught shoplifting at walmart. all items were recovered it was less than $30 of merchandise. cops were called no arrest was made. received a letter from walmart recovery almost a month later saying i owe $300 in the next week. am i obligated to pay that amount if no arrest was made & i didnt receive a court date issuing the amount that is owed.? i was not given any paperwork to fill out either.

Cops were called, so you were technically arrested and released. You can expect a court date in the mail. And you should also be calling to inquire about a court date, since you don't want to miss it (causing an arrest warrant).

And yes, I would pay the Civil Demand letter. If you don't they can keep adding additional fees including attorney fees and then sue you in Civil Court.

do you have any idea why its $300 if the items were recovered & it was less than $30? could that amount be reduced.

Not likely. It is that much to help cover the costs of theft prevention and detection equipment, as well as the pay of the people who catch the thieves.

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Quoting noah.

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do you have any idea why its $300 if the items were recovered & it was less than $30? could that amount be reduced.

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Everyone who shoplifts at Walmart receives a civil demand for that same amount. Its a flat rate that they demand from everyone.

And the time the store manager has to take off his duties to sign the paperwork.