I amd 20 yeras old and was caught shoptlifting at a Lucky's Supermarket for the amount of 7 dollars. The police were never contacted, but a citizens arrest was made. The security had me sign some papers and said I was getting off lucky. They also said that Lucky's was unlikely to fine me. A few months later I got a letter from Neal C. Tennen, attorney at law, demanding 400.00. I immediately called a lawyer for legal advice and they had told me that it's nothing but a threat. He told me to ignore the letters and that without a police report Lucky's would unlikely take this to civil court because it would cost a lot with lawyer fees and all. My question is that I've received three letters already asking for 400 dollars and I've thrown every one away. Do you think that they will try to pursue a civil court? I know that I shoplifted, but the amount of 400 dollars is absolutely ludicrous. Do you think I should pay this? Thanks for your time and consideration.
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Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Supermarket
- Thread Starter falseh0pe
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thelawjournal
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Before I answer I will tell you we discourage the use of store names on this site therefore yours was removed. This is for "your" protection.
I do not advise posters to go against Attorney advice, even if we disagree. The threats could be empty and then again they might not. Failure to pay will bring on more letters with higher amounts demanded (possibly triple orginal amount). If you continue to ignore letters they can report you to credit reporting companies, they can also sue you in court. If they do you will then owe inflated fines plus legal cost. Taking the total possibly into the thousands! Furthermore they can report your lack of action to the store who "might" decide to then file criminal charges and let the courts get their money. Its a gamble. Its your call not ours on what you do
I do not advise posters to go against Attorney advice, even if we disagree. The threats could be empty and then again they might not. Failure to pay will bring on more letters with higher amounts demanded (possibly triple orginal amount). If you continue to ignore letters they can report you to credit reporting companies, they can also sue you in court. If they do you will then owe inflated fines plus legal cost. Taking the total possibly into the thousands! Furthermore they can report your lack of action to the store who "might" decide to then file criminal charges and let the courts get their money. Its a gamble. Its your call not ours on what you do
thelawjournal
New Member
Most of these Civil Recovery services will agree to payment plans
WhoWasThat
New Member
On the subject of reporting you to credit agencies. You cannot be reported to a credit agency until the retailer sues you and receives a judgment from the court. Just a note - regarding civil court. In small claims cases neither party is represented by an attorney. It's just you and the retailer and both get to state their case and the Judge makes a decision. Small claims courts are set up that way to keep the costs at a minimum.
As to retailers following through with civil action on those who don't or refuse to pay - in my own experience I filed suit in about 80% of those cases. Like "Admin" wrote - you take your chances.
As to retailers following through with civil action on those who don't or refuse to pay - in my own experience I filed suit in about 80% of those cases. Like "Admin" wrote - you take your chances.
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Guest
Guest
In other words you will listen to whoever tells you what you want to hear! 
Ok but you have lots to lose here. Its your gamble. I believe Mr. Ballie already told you what his company does in most cases with people like you. If you think $400.00 was bad it only gets worst!
Ok but you have lots to lose here. Its your gamble. I believe Mr. Ballie already told you what his company does in most cases with people like you. If you think $400.00 was bad it only gets worst!assetprotection said:In other words you will listen to whoever tells you what you want to hear!
Not true. In other I am listening to many trusted criminal defense attorneys.
assetprotection said:In other words you will listen to whoever tells you what you want to hear!
Not true. In other words I am listening to many trusted criminal defense attorneys.
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Guest
Guest
I dont care to read it. I know of the site. You dont know if those are actual Attorneys or not. You choose to ignore what you were told here. You came here for help got good replies but chose another path. There isnt anymore we can do for you. Tell whats your plan if they sue you and win in court? Even worse if store decides to file criminal charges? Then what?
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Guest
Guest
Assetprotection/falsehope lets call it a draw ok? I see both points but bottom line is falsehope will do as he wishes regardless of any of the views he was given. Falsehope lets hope this works out best for you. I have removed your encounter as it was not going anywhere and we donot encourgage such heated discussion on this board. I think falsehope got his replies and before this gets ugly again I am closing this topic
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