Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I was shopping in a WalMart in Florida and opened a package, in the electronics department, to see if it had the correct connector. It did not and I put it back in the package and left it on the shelf. After paying for the other items I bought I was stopped and asked about the item. I was told that it is against the law in FL, Statutes Section 772.11, a civil remedies act, to open a package and would be receiving a letter regarding payment. They asked for all my personal information and took my drivers license information, social security number and, as they called it, my \"mug shot\". They did not call the police. I recently received a letter from an attorney\'s office in FL that they are representing WalMart and I must pay $200 within 30 days for the \"civil claim\". I was willing to buy the item I had opened but they told me no since I had attempted to leave the store without it. I am a criminal justice major in college and do not want anything on my record but feel that this is not right. I do not live in Florida but was in the state working for the summer for college money. What do you suggest?


Asked on 7/30/09, 11:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Don Waggoner Don Waggoner Law, P.A.

I wouldn\'t pay them, but once again offer to pay for the item. You did not commit an act of theft, so they shouldn\'t be able to get money from you under that statute. You need to talk to an attorney.

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Answered on 7/31/09, 7:41 am


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