What happens if I ignore a 'settlement fee' letter from lawyer for shoplifting?

Asked 6 months ago - Waterloo, IA

Flag

A friend went to exchange a damaged item without a receipt. He couldnt so he decides to repurchase the item, & return the damaged one with new receipt. First he considers theft, but at the end he puts the item among the other things to pay. Somehow it doesn’t get scanned & he doesnt pay for it. While leaving the store to go get the original damaged item, he was stopped by mall security & taken to the backroom. There was no charges/arrest, but he was banned from the mall for a year. He was told if they find a damage, he will receive a letter. He received one from a lawyer for settlement fee for $595 due 10 days. The item was fully recovered & no damages (worth $40). Can he fight this? He is a student living on loan, he doesnt have the money. Can he ignore it? Will there be criminal charges?

Attorney answers (1)

  1. Licensed in IA

    Pro

    Clear Lake Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contributor Level 13

    Answered December 07, 2012 04:27. Iowa law allows merchants to recover the reasonable costs ssociated with theft prevention. The merchant would have to file a small claims lawsuit to recover the costs if they are not paid voluntarily through a settlement. Some merchants will file a small claims action. Some will not.

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask a Lawyer

Get free answers from experienced attorneys.

 

Ask now

26,433 answers this week

2,679 professionals answering

Ask a Lawyer

Get answers from top-rated lawyers.

  • It's FREE
  • It's easy
  • It's anonymous

Ask a Lawyer

26,433 answers this week

2,679 professionals answering

Find Criminal Defense Lawyers

Legal Dictionary

Don't speak legalese? We define thousands of terms in plain English.

Browse our legal dictionary