Shoplifting in the State of California

Shoplifting in the State of California
My question involves criminal law for the state of: California. shoplifting
So about 5 months ago my sister and I got caught shoplifting at target. My sister is 17 and I'm 18. Cops were called but no one was arrested, we didn't get fingerprinted but a report was made. Since she was underage she didn't get a court date then and there, they had my mom pick her up but they released me and gave me a court date. I showed up at my court date but I didn't find my name anywhere on the list so I went to talk to an self help assistant and they told me no charges were pressed and to call every month to check which I have and still no charges have been pressed. So yesterday I received a letter in the mail from Bennett law saying I owe civil demand of 500$ (I took about 55$ worth of cosmetics) and my sister has to pay 290$ ( she stole $60+ and her packages were opened) so I'm wondering if I have to pay the civil demand cuz I've been looking up thins on bennett law on the internet and lawyers personally say don't pay. And I want to know why my sister has to pay less than me? Maybe cuz she's a minor? I dont know! help please I'm freaking out! It also says in the letter if I voluntarily pay the civil demand target won't press further charges.

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Quoting At6032

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Shoplifting in the State of California
My question involves criminal law for the state of: California. shoplifting
So about 5 months ago my sister and I got caught shoplifting at target. My sister is 17 and I'm 18. Cops were called but no one was arrested, we didn't get fingerprinted but a report was made. Since she was underage she didn't get a court date then and there, they had my mom pick her up but they released me and gave me a court date. I showed up at my court date but I didn't find my name anywhere on the list so I went to talk to an self help assistant and they told me no charges were pressed and to call every month to check which I have and still no charges have been pressed. So yesterday I received a letter in the mail from Bennett law saying I owe civil demand of 500$ (I took about 55$ worth of cosmetics) and my sister has to pay 290$ ( she stole $60+ and her packages were opened) so I'm wondering if I have to pay the civil demand cuz I've been looking up thins on bennett law on the internet and lawyers personally say don't pay. And I want to know why my sister has to pay less than me? Maybe cuz she's a minor? I dont know! help please I'm freaking out! It also says in the letter if I voluntarily pay the civil demand target won't press further charges.

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They aren't going to "press charges" anyway, but they could and might sue you.