Hello,
As I'm sure you hear over and over I made a stupid mistake which I truly regret making. Anyhow I'd like to get to the point of the post. I was caught stealing an item worth approx. $35 dollars or less from the store during the holiday season. As leaving the store I was approached by two non-uniform LP's which asked me to give up the merchandise that I stole. Long story short I felt that they used extreme force for the situation as I ended up on the ground face first and was kicked/shoved forcefully several times. First question, do they have the right to do this? Second the police officer showed up, took the information and wrote me a citation and let me go after giving me a court date. Today I went to go get my mail and received a Civil Demand letter stating information about the case.
And I quote from the paper I received
"In order to save you additional time and expense, a demand is hereby made upon you for $295.00. If we do not receive this payment within 20 days from the date of the letter, we may hire a local attorney to take all necessary legal steps, which includes a civil court action to collect the full amount allowed by the statute.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The pament of amount demanded of you releases you from further civil liability with respect to the above referenced incident, but does not preculde the possibility of criminal prosecution. However, the payment would not be admissible in any criminal proceeding as an admission or evidence of guilt"
My question/concern is how they are able to "demand" this payment and what exactly this payment is for? I understand I made a mistake but if I pay them the "demanded" $295 does that dismiss my court date? What exactly is this $295 for? and where did they come up with this number? Also any advice I can have for my court date is much appreciated as this is my first offense and it was considered a petty theft.

