I was just caught shoplifting a pair of Levi jeans worth $44.00 retail price. The LP gave me a Civil Demand Notice, saying that the law grants them the right to send me a Civil Demand Letter thingy. So, they said that they would send me a letter within the next 2-3 weeks. And they said that if I paid the amount that I wouldn't be taken into court, or filed on my permanent record. There was NO Police involvement.
I am:
17 (Minor)
First Offense
California
I'm just wondering these things:
How much will the Civil Demand thing be ? (The guy told me around $295)
Can my family pay in installments, I'm not sure if we have the money to pay all at once ?
So, if I do pay they won't take me into court / permanent record / criminal charge ?
Also, applying for college or a job won't affect me if i PAY the demand ?
How much time do i get to pay for it ?

