Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

A civil demand from a law firm representing JCPenney won't have anything to do with your criminal case or immigration, but I'm not sure what your question is asking.

Are you saying you already paid a civil settlement? Or are you saying you paid a fine in a criminal case?

The thing that will affect your immigration status would be a conviction for a theft offense. Theft crimes are ones of moral turpitude that could cause problems for you later. The goal is to try and avoid a conviction in the first place so you don't have those problems. There are often things an attorney can do to resolve your case without a conviction and get the entire case dismissed.

I practice in Orange County - let me know if you want to discuss representation further.

www.joedane.com/about

If all that happened is a letter from the company, without them filing criminal charges, there is no 'record'. However they still may file criminal charges even after you pay. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor in court, that record would be 'forever', and yes, would affect your immigration status; illegals are supposed to be deported upon conviction. If they do file criminal charges, get an attorney. Feel free to contact me if that happens.