Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Store trying to recover "damages"?

[Lizzy82]

I was caught shoplifting in KS a little over a month ago. I've already been arraigned and I applied for a diversion. Today I got a letter saying the store I shoplifted from is offering to settle for $50, or else they may file a civil action against me.

I tried to shoplift toothpaste and deodorant. I didn't tamper with anything, and everything was returned in merchandisable condition.

It's VERY important to me to keep all charges, convictions, EVERYTHING off my record. I work internationally and even something as small as this could really mess up my future career.

So my questions are:

1.) If I pay the $50, will anything be on my record? (Am I being charged with anything or admitting guilt by paying it?)

2.) If I don't pay it, what are the chances they would take me to court? They didn't actually suffer any losses, since I didn't get away or destroy the merchandise. What would happen if I tried to fight the civil action?

Thanks for your advice

 

[thelawjournal]

1.) If I pay the $50, will anything be on my record? (Am I being charged with anything or admitting guilt by paying it?)
This is a Civil action and has no relation to your criminal case nor will it show up in a criminal background check

2.) If I don't pay it, what are the chances they would take me to court? They didn't actually suffer any losses, since I didn't get away or destroy the merchandise. What would happen if I tried to fight the civil action?
Yes they did suffer loses too numerous to name. The action they are seeking in state law and fighting it will cost you thousands and you will still lose more than likely

FYI Stores lose over 13 Billion each year to shoplifting. Anything they can recoup helps. Stores invest hundreds of thousands to prevent shoplifting the Civil Demand fine. The list goes on.

 

[thelawjournal]

Cost of Shoplifting

Many people do not understand the huge cost to slow down shoplifting.
The cost is enormous! Retailers lose over 13 Billion each year to
shoplifting. So they have a huge need to reduce this number. Many
of you ask why the huge Civil Demand fines? Its simple retailers are trying to recoup loses and help pay for measures to prevent theft. Here are some numbers to digest on what it cost retailers to protect their merchandise.
These numbers are estimates and based on Big Box stores

Loss Prevention Team:
A average "Big Box" store employs
4 LPO's at about $20,000.00 each a year
1 LPM at about $30,000.00 a year
This puts payroll at $110,000.00 a year

A simple CCTV system:
10 to 20 still cameras at $50.00 each total $1,000.00
25 PTZ cameras (ones that follow subjects) at about $500.00 ea Total 12,500.00
27 Monitors at $75.00 each total $2,025.00
2 (at least) VHS at $40.00 ea total $80.00
VHS Tapes bought in bulk at about $50.00

EAS:
The cost to install EAS is about $50,000.00

None of the above includes maintenice which is costly

This brief but give you idea of the huge cost to prevent
shoplifting. This estimated (only) total to prevent shoplifting cost store nearly $200,000.00 which impacts its profit numbers

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

2.) If I don't pay it, what are the chances they would take me to court? They didn't actually suffer any losses, since I didn't get away or destroy the merchandise. What would happen if I tried to fight the civil action?

Thanks for your advice

If you don't pay it, they sue you, add on lawyer costs, court fees and other fees making your $50 possible $1000+. Plus them might still charge you.
The cost is to cover the cost of security, cameras etc. Doesn't matter if you destroy merch, they suffered losses by having to hire guys like me.