Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Not paying your debt to Target within 10 days is not your #1 problem. Dealing with the criminal charges he right way so you can be eligible to ever work again is the #1 problem. Depending on the circumstances you may be eligible for a public defender, but I would strongly advise that you consider borrowing the money from a relative and retaining private defense counsel. I would be happy to consult with you without charge.

The demand letter from Target (or the law firm that sent it) is all bark and no bite. If you pay, it means they won't sue you in small claims court, but it won't make the criminal case go away.

If you ignore their outrageous demand, they have to make a choice - sue you (they never do) or let it go (I have never heard of anyone actually being sued if they don't pay).

Your focus should be on the criminal case - either with the help of an attorney you hire if you can afford to do so or with the public defender if you financially qualify. If you hire a lawyer, they can appear on your behalf and you won't have to go to court. If you can't hire one (and you never know until you consult), you will need to show up on your court date and request that the judge appoint the public defender after they review your financial declaration.

Do not pay the store, unless your attorney tells you to. If you can't afford to hire private counsel, you will need to apply for the Public Defender on your first court date, and follow his advice.

I agree with the previous answers. If you enter into a plea deal in the criminal matter, you will most likely be subject to a restitution order anyway, which will involve you paying money to the prosecutor who turns it over to Target.