My question involves criminal law for the state of: IL
I am saddened to say my 17 year old son shoplifted a $15 cell phone case from a WalMart store back in November. This was a first offence (and I might add 'last') and he was not charged, but did receive a fine for 'Engaging in prohibited activity on premises' apparently subject to the 'tresspass to property act.' He has since paid that fine within the specified timeframe.
Yesterday we received a letter from a legal firm representing WalMart, demanding $475.00 compensation for the use of the resources of the loss prevention staff's time and surveilance. We have 15 business days to pay or they will apparently take further action. I have 4 related questions please...
- Do we have to pay this bill? I have read on the internet that some criminal attorneys advise their clients to ignore these bills.
- I understand that if they escalate the collection and threaten with court they would prevail should it go that far, should we however buy time to see if this is the case?
- Can this affect our (my wife and myself's) credit rating in the long term?
- Lastly, does us paying or not paying the bill have an influence on any recourse by the police or are they mutually exclusive? To clarify, can WalMart contact the police again and now (or in the future) have my son charged with theft even though he was not charged at the time of the incident, just because we do not comply with their demands.
I do feel intimidated as I am grateful that my son was not charged, then again I feel that the retailer is taking advantage of the situation. Perhaps I am wrong and should just pay the bill? I appreciate your thought's.

