Shoplifting a Kohls in California
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Shoplifting a Kohls in California
So I got caught allegedly shoplifting at a kohls in California. I had allegedly
taken about 460 in merchandise. No cops were called. I filled out a no
trespassing agreement and other papers then she took my picture. She told me
that failure to pay the civil demand would cause me to have a warrant for my
arrest. However, I have read many situations where the advise was to not pay the
fees and ignore the situation altogether. Should I ignore it or should I pay it. I am
looking for a job in retail at the moment and do not want my name in the thief
data base.
Asked on July 16, 2016 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
As a general rule, these demands are routinely made but rarely acted upon. Not paying such a demand should have no bearing on an arrest warrant being issued. Further, your chances of being subsequently sued are small. Accordingly, you can ignore this civil demand if you choose. Be aware however, if you don't pay you will in all liklihood get a second demand and it will list an even higher amount. Again, you can choose to ignore it. If you do decide to make payment, pay no more than a token amount $25 or so, plus the retail value of any merchandise that may have been too damaged for them to re-sell). Put this in a letter; don't speak with any collector directly as these people are notorious for their threatening and intimidating tactics. That all having been said, review the papers that you signed for further infomation. if anything is unclear to you, consult directly with local criminal law attorney.
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