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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    1

    Default Civil Penalty Claim

    My question involves court procedures for the state of: Texas

    I was recently let go from my job for spending a $30 gift card that I found in the store (was from a refund that another employee rang up, meant to be mailed to the customer).
    I have now received a letter from a law firm demanding $350.00 payment-- within 20 days or they will tack on more fees, to settle the civil claim (or they may proceed with a "civil penalty claim")


    The letter is from Palmer, Reifler and Assoc., P.A. and a little googling has found they they have the habit of harassing people like me.

    Is this something that can end up on my credit report if they never actually bring any civil action against me (I know that a judgement will)?

    Will paying the fine affect any outcome of criminal proceedings if they do pursue them?

    From what i've read it very unlikely they will pursue it, but should I just pay the fine and consider it a lesson learned?

    From what I read they might be exempt from the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act as far as demanding that they cease to call or write.

    (I'm not sure if I have any extra options under the texas fair debt collection act regarding this.)

    If this is true would I have any ability to have them stop calling me to collect the penalty?

    Foolishly I signed a statement admitting that I spent the card and would be willing to pay back the $30

    The LP did say they didn't pursue criminal charges in these situations (not sure if this is true).

    Thanks in advance for any advice

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Civil Penalty Claim

    I am not going to promise you what will or will not end up on your credit report at some point in the future. If the matter goes to a collection agency, whether or not it should be, I would expect it to be reported.

    Paying a civil demand has no effect on a criminal charge that may or may not have been filed. It probably says that right on the demand.

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