Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Illinois

I was recently at a grocery store distracted and walked out without paying for an item. I was stopped by security and brought back into the store. I was accused of shop lifting told them it was a simple mistake and then paid for my item before leaving. I was told I was banned from the store and that would be that. So I have never returned but I got a letter in the mail from a law firm telling me that I was being charged of Retail theft statute section 720 ILCS 5 16A-7.

I'm confused because though I did accidentally leave the store without paying I did pay for the items and I have records of that. Why am I getting charged?


Asked on 4/04/11, 10:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Betty Tsamis Tsamis Law Firm PC

This is a serious matter and you should have counsel representing you. We have handled similar matters and are happy to speak with you.

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Answered on 4/05/11, 5:39 am
Nima Taradji Taradji Law Offices

I am confused: the law firm cannot charge you with a criminal matter. Only the State can.

If the law firm is suing you, then you need to defend yourself. If you have been actually sued and been served with papers, time is then of the essence and you must file an answer to the complaint unless you want the law to conclude that you agree with every allegations made in the complaint.

You need to speak with an attorney who handles this sort of matters and show him or her the paperwork you have to figure out your options.

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Answered on 4/05/11, 7:07 am


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