
Quoting
free9man
Some jurisdictions, don't know about your specific one, don't allow a double dip. If you pay the civil demand, the criminal justice system deems the retailer whole and does not pursue charges. It varies.
For your specific case, you're lucky the retailer is pursuing a value less than the merchandise you stole. There may be a legal precedent in your area for it, I don't know. Once your mother actually receives the civil demand papers, she should contact the company servicing it to try and arrange a payment plan if you cannot afford to pay it all at once.
If you were my kid, you'd be getting a job if old enough or mowing lawns to pay for it.