Printable View
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
I was caught shoplifting at Wal Mart. The cops were not called and I didn't sign anything. They took a copy of my license and some information from me. I received a letter in the mail from thier law offices. If I pay the amount they ask without fighting them will anything go on my permanent record or credit report?
What you received is a Civil Demand Letter. Pay it immediately.
No one can guarantee that just paying it will mean no charges - the store does 1-2 years (varies by states) to file Criminal Charges.
Don't pay the Civil Demand...
(1) the amount will increase.
(2) the store will eventually sue you in Civil Court, which will negatively affect your Credit Rating.
(2) and the odds of them filing Criminal Charges increases big time.
Related question: Is this kind of information available to future employers through a private background checking companies such as ChoicePoint?
No cops...you should be simply in the stores computer systems, which may be shared with a nationwide Retail Theft Database. That varies by store - and which stores participate is a very closely guarded secret.