Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft written up at mall for price changes

[mistamista]

I was in a mall in New Jersey, it doesnt matter which one, and was buying some toys. I noticed one was priced down a lot and I wondered if it was a mistake. So I looked at some of the others and it seemed that it could have been a mistake but I didn't make it so I decided to buy the item. I went to the register and was about to make a purchase and gave my credit card to the cashier when the manager was called over to review the item. I was called into the office and accused of switching price tags. I told them I did not do anything and they decided to write me up and told me I was going to receive a letter in the mail. I told this security supervisor that I didn't change anything. He told me he saw me on camera looking closely at all the items and I knew what i was doing. I don't care what he says. I didn't change any price. Thats the way it was. I don't know what is supposed to happen but I wasn't arrested. He said that I could be criminally charged and tried to scare me but I wouldn't agree to anything. I was given back my credit card and left the store but they do have my information. What is supposed to happen next?

 

[army judge]

You'll receive a "civil demand" letter sent on behalf of the store.

Google "civil demand YOUR STATE" and you'll learn more.

Briefly, they're demanding you send them a sum of money. If you choose not to send them the sum of money they demand, they might sue you civilly.

If they sue you civilly (and prevail), they'll obtain a judgment that could be 2, 4, even 10 times more. Then they'd have to try and collect on that judgment.

The police won't become involved. They chose to go the civil demand route. What should you do? That's up to you.

There will be opinions offered by others as to what they think you should do. If you know a couple lawyers in your county, seek their advice.


Sent from my iPad3 using Tapatalk HD

 

[shrinkmaster]

Its a crap shoot. Where I personally don't recommend ignoring the letter there is the chance they will not take any one or more of the options available. I personally have dealt with these issues in the course of my employment and consulting work. You need to decide if its worth the risk. Remember civil demand is state law!

 

[mightymoose]

If you didn't change the prices then they should have no evidence to use against you in court if it should ever get there.
Personally I would not give in to their bullying and would never pay anything unless ordered to by a court.
Civil demand laws are civil in nature- there is no obligation to comply with the demand, no penalty for not paying. The laws are pretty much unnecessary as everyone involved has the very same options even without the law.
If you do not pay then they MIGHT take you in to court. If what you say is true there is likely no evidence at all to convict you of a crime. With the circumstances you give that sounds very unlikely. You know if you did anything wrong or not, you make the decision that is best for you. Just know that the letter you get has no teeth and is nothing more than a rude request.

Also, in the future, know that you have no obligation to identify yourself to store employees or to go into any back room with them,.or to sign any papers, or to make any statements whatsoever. You can walk away if you choose, and if they attempt to restrain you then you could potentially have them on the hook for false arrest or even battery if they do it wrong- which could be leverage for you if they pursue any action against you.