My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
My 22 year old daughter was issued a ticket recently for shoplifting at a K-Mart store a total of 4 items worth approximately 50-60 dollars total. She has now received a letter from some lawyer representing K-mart that is requesting a $350.00 civil penalty, although nothing that she had was destoyed in any way and was returned to the shelves for sale as she waited for the police to write a ticket. She must pay this within 20 days of the dated letter, prior to any criminal hearing? Does this sound right? Is this excessive? Is this negoitable? She is a honors college graduate with a clean record, not even a driving summons. What she was thinking is beyond me to answer. Any thoughts on a possible criminal penalty?

