Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I am a 26 year old, single mother of 2 young children, who recently was found guilty for second degree burglary for an item that cost $129 at Fry's Electronic Stores in City of Industry, CA. I pleaded "no contest" and was sentenced to 15 days in county jail. i was released with having 6 days credit. I was with my boyfriend at the time of the incident and he was the one who had actually stolen the device, i just happened to be there, and so they charged me with burglary as well. The item that he attempted to steal that day was recovered, instantly.
My question is...I got a letter from Fry's saying that i owe them $350, and if i don't pay them within 20 days of receiving this notice, that they will take the necessary steps they need to take, in order to get there money.
I don't understand what i owe them, since the item that my boyfriend and i were attempting to steal was recovered that they, and we pleaded "no contest". Doesn't that mean that even if the sue us, we never admitted guilt and we served our time, therefore, we wouldn't have to pay them anything more?

Asked on 2/22/11, 11:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

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The case is over, and you lost. Too bad you didn't fight the burglary charge, it could almost certainly have been beaten by a competent attorney. You also owe Fry's the $350 which is a civil matter, separate from your criminal case. The $350 is to help defray the cost of Fry's loss prevention activities, so that the store's honest customers don't have to cover as much of these costs.

Answered on 2/22/11, 11:34 pm

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