Ocean Eyes
New Member
- Jurisdiction
- Florida
I'm 16 and I got caught stealing 20 dollars worth of stuff from Walmart (some dishwashing soap and 2 packs of raid ant spray) on May 26th and I got caught by security in front of the store as I tried to leave. They kept me in the lost prevention center until my sister, who was waiting outside, came to get me, so no cops were called. They scanned my permit as well as my sister's and said I was in their store database and I'd be sent to a juvenile delinquent facility if it happened again. They also said it was petty theft and let me off with a warning, basically, and told me not to worry, but that I may receive a letter. Needless to say, I will never be shoplifting again. I received a letter from some Palmer law firm (I don't have the letter, unfortunately) saying that my parent / guardian had to pay $250. I've done some research and apparently most are advised to not pay, and sometimes they won't even send out a letter at all, but I received this letter June 1 telling me that I had to pay the amount within 20 days (June 21st). From my understanding, lawyers would encourage you to not pay, as it's seen as extortion and you'd be admitting to the crime by paying.
I'd like to know how long it takes to stop receiving letters? Will they continue to send this demand until my parent pays? My mother and oldest sister don't know I was caught, as my older sister (21) is the one who picked me up and we haven't spoke of it. This was a stupid mistake and I don't want a reminder of the fact that I was shoplifting. That fact is embarrassing enough, but then I went and got caught as well! How long will my name be in the system? Am I going to keep getting letters until I pay? How many do they send within a time period? How / what do I do to stop receiving them? Will this jeopardize my future? I just need a peace of mind. I'm scared, ashamed, depressed, anxious, and I just need reassurance. Thank you for taking the time to read it and any advice/info you're able to give.
P.S. I live in Sunrise, Florida. Sorry if my information was all over the place but I'm petrified at this point. I don't even feel comfortable leaving the comfort of my own home because I'm so ashamed.
I'd like to know how long it takes to stop receiving letters? Will they continue to send this demand until my parent pays? My mother and oldest sister don't know I was caught, as my older sister (21) is the one who picked me up and we haven't spoke of it. This was a stupid mistake and I don't want a reminder of the fact that I was shoplifting. That fact is embarrassing enough, but then I went and got caught as well! How long will my name be in the system? Am I going to keep getting letters until I pay? How many do they send within a time period? How / what do I do to stop receiving them? Will this jeopardize my future? I just need a peace of mind. I'm scared, ashamed, depressed, anxious, and I just need reassurance. Thank you for taking the time to read it and any advice/info you're able to give.
P.S. I live in Sunrise, Florida. Sorry if my information was all over the place but I'm petrified at this point. I don't even feel comfortable leaving the comfort of my own home because I'm so ashamed.
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