Hey,

I am a 23 y.o. who just did the stupidest thing ever. Tried to take a $18 pair of earrings from Urban Outfitters. Got caught at the exit to the store, at first tried to deny, then fessed up, thinking I'd just give them the money for the earrings and skedaddle. I have never attempted to shoplift before, ever! Which is probably why I got caught...

So, they called the police, and also gave me one of those "civil resitution" things where apparently they get to sue me for attempting to steal. Thing is, I am BROKE, which is why I did not want to pay for the earrings. I don't even have enough in the bank for next month's rent. I looked up CA law, and since my attempted theft was under $50, the max they can charge is $250, but it seems like UO could charge me with whatever they want.

It seems like most people are intimidated into paying these letters demanding compensation -- how likely is it that they will actually pursue it to court if I don't/can't pay?

I am so upset that I gave into this dumb temptation, especially since the point was that I can't afford extra expenses like earrings right now, and this has just exacerbated my broke-ness unbelievably.

Any thoughts? And please don't say "consult a lawyer", b/c I don't have the money to do that either.