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What happens if I don't respond to a $250. civil litigation demand within the stated 20 days?
Newtown, CT
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Posted 10 months ago in Litigation
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As the defendant in a shoplifting summons, I was ordered by the court to complete 10 hours of community service. A penalty I deserved for trying to steal a pair of shoes, and a penalty I feel lucky to have been imposed. As a first time offender, this scared the heck out of me and will never do it again!
I just got a letter from the store's attorney. They are asking for a $250. civil litigation action payable within 20 days. I didn't damage the shoes, nor did I remove them from the property. A copy of a CT General Statute was enclosed which basically states "a merchant can institute civil litigation against an individual who has unlawfully taken merchandise from the merchant's store, even if the merchandise has not been damaged and has been returned to the merchant". Is this something I should hire an attorney for? Call the store's attorney? This civil litigation action looks fishy to me. My name isn't spelled correctly and the letter from the store's attorney has grammar and typing mistakes. Thank you for your time! - Is this your question? Add additional information Answers (3)
John M. Kaman
This attorney is licensed in California.
Posted 10 months ago.
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It has grammar and typing mistakes in it because it was written by a moron. Most states allow shoplifting victims (in other words mega corporations) to sue for civil damages in addition to the criminal procedure. The damages are not to repair or replace the property; it's supposed to be for the store's time and effort in hiring snoops to catch people like you. I always tell my clients not to pay but sometimes they end up in small claims court.
Nicholas William Juhl
This attorney is licensed in Washington.
Posted 9 months ago.
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In some states, like Washington, paying the fine and satisfying the "victim's" civil damages may allow you to petition the court for a Compromise of Misdemeanor, meaning the criminal charges will be dismissed. The store does not have to consent to this resolution, so you only need the verification that the civil penalty was paid. Speak to an attorney in your area to see if this is an option in your jurisdiction.
Imran Farooq Vakil
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