Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

There are two different issues here

Criminal charges

Civil demand

Most lawyers recommend not paying the civil demand. It can be used against you later if criminal charges are brought... Most of the time you won't get sued over the civil demand because it is so small...if you pay you end up in retail theft databases as well

If you get charged criminally that is where it will be on your record permanently and cause issues

Stop stealing and see if you can learn from this

There are two different issues here

Criminal charges

Civil demand

Most lawyers recommend not paying the civil demand. It can be used against you later if criminal charges are brought... Most of the time you won't get sued over the civil demand because it is so small...if you pay you end up in retail theft databases as well

If you get charged criminally that is where it will be on your record permanently and cause issues

Stop stealing and see if you can learn from this

There are two different issues here

Criminal charges

Civil demand

Most lawyers recommend not paying the civil demand. It can be used against you later if criminal charges are brought... Most of the time you won't get sued over the civil demand because it is so small...if you pay you end up in retail theft databases as well

If you get charged criminally that is where it will be on your record permanently and cause issues

Stop stealing and see if you can learn from this

There are two different issues here

Criminal charges

Civil demand

Most lawyers recommend not paying the civil demand. It can be used against you later if criminal charges are brought... Most of the time you won't get sued over the civil demand because it is so small...if you pay you end up in retail theft databases as well

If you get charged criminally that is where it will be on your record permanently and cause issues

Stop stealing and see if you can learn from this

There are two different issues here

Criminal charges

Civil demand

Most lawyers recommend not paying the civil demand. It can be used against you later if criminal charges are brought... Most of the time you won't get sued over the civil demand because it is so small...if you pay you end up in retail theft databases as well

If you get charged criminally that is where it will be on your record permanently and cause issues

Stop stealing and see if you can learn from this

If you don't want a criminal record, don't commit crimes.

Whether or not you pay the 'fine' the business will demand, they can still file criminal charges and prosecute. If they do, hire an attorney. If they file charges, that WILL be on your record, so will any conviction or plea bargain that results.