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 7 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.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

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