I was accused of stealing $15 of merchandise and taken away by two assets protection dudes in plain clothes. I was banned for 1 year from all store locations and let go with out the police being called. however, I was forced to sign a form saying that if I didn't pay the price of the item plus an additional $200 within 60 days, a police report or criminal complaint would be filed.
now, I've never been arrested or caught for stealing in my life. My question is weather or not I should pay this silly fine and risk being issued a court appearance. What sort of costs would I face if I had to appear in court, even if I got the charges dropped or dismissed?
to qoute:
[I]"Nothing in this agreement shall constitute an admission of guilt for purposes of criminal law. If this agreement is signed and payment is made in full withn 60 days, no police report or criminal complaint will be filed by the merchant relative to this incident. However, nothing in the agreement can or will bar the state of NH from instituting such criminal prosecutions as it deems necessary."

