Civil Demand

[vschlitz]

What is the name of your state? Maryland

When some one is caught shopliting the retailer under MD. law Sec. 3-1303 of this subtitle, to pay the merchant a civil penalty equal to twice the merchant's stated sales price for the merchandise, but not less than $50 nor more than $1000.

The civil demand letter for $1000 was received by mail. However, the name read wrong. For example, real name Paul Franklin Brown, Jr., the letter was addressed as Franklin P. Brown, Jr. they apparently flipped the middle and first name. Will they still be able to come after me? Would it hold up in court?

If the civil demand is not paid they apparently will mail a second if no responce, then a certified letter. Of course if the name still appears the same (reversed) do you have to sign for it? What happens if you ignore the letters would they file a lawsuite?

 

[racer72]

A couple of issues that will shoot you down. Did you give them your name backwards? Giving false or misleading information could result in further criminal proceedings. And is all the other information such as address correct? Would the store security or management positively identify you in court? Unless you can find someone else with that name and can prove they shoplifted, you probably won't be able to squirm out of this one.

 

[vschlitz]

They were given the correct information. They apparently got it wrong on thier end, and yes they could identify. So in other words, screwed...

The department stores civil demand section sent the letter. Can this amount be negotiated? What if you don't have that much money? The lawyer got it all. If the person has a job, would they garnish wages?

I have 15 days to reply to the letter.