Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft i need help plz someone tell me what to do

[drok]

ok so in california at rite aid i and 3 of my friends got caught stealing stuff we are all 18 and we stole water gatorade monster it added up to 12 something i know because my friend opted to pay after the security had called police and i gave the security fake info and they let us go but said to never come back so i haven't btw i told the police officer all correct information because i would never lie to a cop cuz they can charge you for just about anything anyway i gave the cop real info and the security fake info and then today i recieved a letter saying that this attorney at law demands i pay 150 but they got my name wrong my first name is correct and my address is correct but my last name is not so what should i do my friend says to let them send u letters and to brush it off because he says that basically they dont have my real identity therefore their threats are useless but idk im just wondering can the cops come to my house asking for me but with a different last name or worst case scenario the attorney contacts police and tries to acquire my real info because i did give that to the cop and then take me to court because i looked it up and thats what will happen if i dont pay basically i have 2 options pay the 150 and let it go or not pay and see if they can dig up my real identity and sue me for stealing btw all of this for a water bottle i stole a water bottle and its costing me 150 its ridiculous anyway any advice will help plz and i have a clean record so if they take me to court it will show on my record because as of now i recieved no ticket or anything just this letter saying to compensate them 150 and them telling me that i can never go to rite aid again

 

[disagreeable]

In all likelyhood, the amount of the demand letters will increase and the store will contact the police to press charges, discovering your correct name and possibly filing criminal charges. I suggest you pay the demand letter without disclosing your identity and hope everything goes away.

 

[Proserpina]

The wrong name won't change anything.

You're simply "AKA" - "also known as".

 

[mightymoose]

In all likelihood if it should ever miraculously find its way into court it would be handled as an infraction, like a speeding ticket, and you will still have your clean record- so don't worry about that.

If it will ease your conscience and help you sleep better not having to worry about it then pay the demand and be done with it.

Personal opinion- ignore their silly letters and stop stealing. Neither the police nor anyone else is going to come looking for you. This is already in the past.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Here is an article on shoplifting that may be useful. The advice is good - they can correct information if they need to go to court. Right now they are making a civil demand - here is an article on civil demands.

 

[shrinkmaster]

The fine is not silly and not to be ignored its state law! Failure to pay can carry long term consequences. Finding your realinfo is not really that hard in fact you made it easier with your post here. My advice (dealing in retail theft issues for years) is pay the fine. the $150.00 will triple or more if you ignore this. By the way it snot about the cost of the item(s) stolen its about the cost to protect store from theft. Civil demand laws give retailers a means to recoup some of that expense. Since you got letter they know where to find you getting your real name will not be difficult. Read the articles Thelawprofessor provided!

 

[drok]

Thx ya I looked into this and am gonna send that money I've talked to 2 lawyers and they said that if I pay it'll be done and that they won't hassle me but its not 100 for sure but ya thx for the help

 

[shrinkmaster]

Of all the options you have available this is by far the safest.