Can You Got to Jail if You Don't Pay a Shoplifting Civil Demand

[Anna89]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina

I got caught stealing at Walmart in NC.
Took my pic & got my info then sent me on my way. No police & $14 worth of items. ( I do have a misdometer in larceny already)

2 weeks later I got this. . .

Law Office in Florida sent me a letter Settlement Offer

In accordance with Civil Liability for Larceny NC Gen. Statue 1-538.2 and common law, our clients is authorized to demand that you pay damages of $150.00

If you fail to comply within 20 days, than you may held liable for an amount not less than $150 no more than $1000 in a civil action against you.

There's a good chance I won't be able to pay that in time, Will they send me a court letter? Jail Time? Should I even pay it? (Read other posts saying No)

Off chance I pay this in time will it go on my criminal record immediately?

Please Help,
A.

[adjusterjack]

You're being offered a civil settlement so you can avoid criminal prosecution.

Pay it.

By the deadline.

No, it doesn't become part of your criminal record.

It's a private agreement between you and the store.

If they have to sue you for the money, a judgment will be public record and end up on your credit reports.

[flyingron]

The civil demand is independent of any criminal charge. Wal*Mart can't send you to jail. Only the state can do that. If the Wallyworld LP guys haven't already reported you to the police, it's unlikley that these "lawyers" will do so. They're only concerned with convincing you to pay their demand. You'll have to determine if it is likely that they will follow up on the threat of a civil lawsuit (which would mean you'd owe them a lot more money).

[Anna89]

So do what adjusterjack recommended?

- - - Updated - - -

Poopy stuff happens & I screwed up. However, thank you for your helpful advise!

[flyingron]

Opinions vary as to whether Walmart's "Attorneys" will carry through on the threat (and their right) to sue you for what will likely be a larger amount than what they are asking for now. If you want peace of mind, pay them off. If you want to call their bluff, don't.

[DeputyDog]

It's as though each new post comes through in a vacuum without the author even reading threads right underneath where the same issues have been discussed and even debated just days and hours before.