Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Am I being charged excessively?

[pixie7887]

Hello. I was so relieved when stumbling acrossed this website. I am hoping for some legal advice. My 13 year-old daughter was caught shoplifting (first offense) at our local mall. The store decided to prosecute her and the total of the stolen items was $4.50. She had to go to our local city court and was fined $75.00 for court costs and had to do 5 hrs. of community service (which she has already completed). That was the "criminal" charge and penalty assessed. I have since received a letter from a "law firm" which is also a recovery firm representing the store. The initial letter they sent to me was requesting a $200.00 fee. The letter stated that if this fee was not paid within 30 days that they could possibly pursue this matter in civil court. I did not respond to this letter in a timely manner. They sent me another letter, this time demanding $475.00 or again, stating that further action may be taken. I have sent them a check for $158.34 (1 of 3 payments) which they apparently have not received as now I have gotten a third letter with a final demand for payment ($475.00) in full. This is very upsetting to me. I realize that my child made a huge, costly mistake. We have already paid in our local city court ($75.00 + community service) for criminal damages. My daughter has also been accepted into the diversion program. I just do not understand the "civil" aspect. The items that were taken were worth $4.50. Is there a capped amount for damages the store can seek/collect? The money they are attempting to collect is more than 100 times the monetary worth of the items she took and that were recovered from her. Please help me. I want to do the right thing but I feel like I am being squeezed. I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer. A friend of mine said the same thing happened to someone she knew and that her friend was told the reason this particular store/"law firm" seeks so much in damages is to compensate for all the kids who steal and "don't" get caught. Is this legal? Are they charging me excessively? Thanks so much!