Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

shoplifting

I was caught shoplifting in foodmax last month, they did not call the police but made me sign a form and took copy of my id and clicked my picture and told me that all this is for the store records only and then I was free to go. Only today I recieved a notice in the mail to pay $250.00 worth of fine and the notice says that '' The payment of any demand made upon you does not prevent criminal prosecution under a related criminal statute provision. Payment of the amount demanded may not be used in any court proceedings by our client as an admission of liability.''

can u tell me if by paying the fine I will be saved from anu criminal prosecution coz I just made a mistake that will never happen again.


Asked on 2/17/07, 10:01 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: shoplifting

Paying generally does not prevent criminal charges. That's the reality of getting caught stealing. Get an attorney to help you with what defenses you have.

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Answered on 2/20/07, 2:48 pm
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: shoplifting

The amount demanded by the store is a civil penalty that is supposed to correspond to the store costs resulting from your conduct. Paying this amount will not prevent the store from requesting that criminal prosecution be commenced by the district attorney.

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Answered on 2/20/07, 3:30 am


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