Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

civil penalty claim against me

hi i got caught shoplifting at claires,

and the amount shoplifted was

$11.50, i got a letter for a civil claim

against me asking to pay a amount

of $525 they are telling me that in

the state of california they cannot

waive it.. that palmer and associates

cant waive it, and that if i pay in full

then they will give me a discount,

which in the end i will pay $420. the

problem is that im not finically ok,

and i cannot pay them at all. i want

to know if there is any way of getting

out of this or not maying at all..


Asked on 7/06/09, 2:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: civil penalty claim against me

Borrow the money, and pray hard they don't also prosecute.

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Answered on 7/06/09, 2:57 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: civil penalty claim against me

You need a dose of reality, and to understand that you face both civil penalties and criminal charges for this crime. You need an attorney now to guide you properly, since you appear not to understand what is going on. Just paying this 'fine' now does not mean they can't file criminal charges against you. A proper settlement agreement must be negotiated and put into writing. If you can't afford an attorney now, you'll be able to apply for the Public Defender once you've been charged and arrested. But, of course, then it is too late to work out the civil 'deal'.

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Answered on 7/06/09, 3:40 pm


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