My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan.
I was caught shoplifting at Walmart. Items added up to $80. I was not arrested and I did not have to sign any papers. They just took my picture, a deputy gave me a complaint number to reference and they let me go home. I have not heard an update from the prosecutors office. I just received a letter in the mail today from a Walmart attorney stating that I'm liable for a civil demand in the amount of $200 and have 30 days to pay. I see a lot of people say not to pay this, but why not? Should I wait to hear an update about my case before I take further action? I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep me out of a courtroom and to have a clean record. I'm 21 and hoping to complete a diversion program to keep my record clean if that's the case and I just want to move on with my life. This was my one and only offense and I really regret it. Also, I worked for the state of Michigan and I lost my job because they found out. So I can't afford to hire a lawyer for advice.

