Contacted for Payment After Failing to Pay a Civil Demand
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland
I know a similar question was asked about this, because i did a little research and this forum came up in my google search, but my case is slightly different.
A few months ago, specifically July 1st, 2015, I was caught shoplifting at JCPenney. The items I attempted to steal were worth a total amount of $106. An employee told me to come back to the store as I was walking towards my car, and I went to a back room. They took my information, a picture, and the police were called in, so I guess it was technically an arrest? Anyways, they let me go without a citation, or banning me from the store or the mall or anything.
As soon as I got home, I did research on what was going to happen, and a different online lawyer site told me that I would receive a letter demanding double the cost of the stolen merchandise, which I did, and that I SHOULD NOT pay it. So I didn't pay it, and I received another one until I left for college, and then another one after I was gone. Thats when my parents found out (they were surprisingly forgiving, thank god) and I told my mom that all the online lawyer sites I searched said not to pay the demand, so she didn't.
I got a call last week from the firm that represents JCPenney telling me I had to pay them $212 by the 30th of September. The lady told me I should pay whatever I can and they would set me up on some sort of plan to pay the rest over time since I'm a broke college student and thats why I tried to steal stuff in the first place. :wallbang:
here comes the questions:
1. should I pay the demand? I saw on the other, similar post on here that I SHOULD pay the fine, and other sites said I should NOT, so I'm confused on what to do.
2. If I don't pay the demand, what are the chances of me going to court, and how bad will that get? will it stay on my permanent records? in detail please
3. If I do pay the demand, will the shoplifting incident stay on my permanent records? will I lose my scholarships? will the incident follow me for the rest of my life?
Re: Contacted for Payment After Failing to Pay a Civil Demand
It's up to you whether or not you pay the civil demand. If you do, the civil claim is resolved. If you do not, you can be sued -- and if you're a minor, your parents can be sued along with you or instead of you. A civil demand does not create a public record. A civil lawsuit does create a public record, but not a criminal record.
Re: Contacted for Payment After Failing to Pay a Civil Demand
So you were stealing, admit fully that you were stealing and now want help evading your responsibility that you incurred because of the crime you committed?
Pay the civil demand. You earned it. Besides that, although there are a plethora of antidotal stories online about not paying and not being sued, this varies by the law firm contracted by the retailer. Here's a hint: JCP contracts with one of the most litigious and aggressive ones.
Go ahead and don't pay it. You think $212 is a lot of money? Just wait.
Re: Contacted for Payment After Failing to Pay a Civil Demand
Search your name on Maryland Case Search to make sure you were not charged.
What area were you caught in MD and I can tell you the charging process.
JCP needs money and is becoming more aggressive in pursuing Civil Demands than in past times.