What is the name of your state? California
Two weeks ago, I was caught by a Target employee in the process of shoplifting a 35 dollar item. After taking me to a back room and questioning me, the security guards let me go after I made an incriminating statement and signed it. I wouldnt have normally done this, but it seemed as though my cooperation would prevent them from getting the police involved -- and it did. They told me I would receive a "bill" for the item, but this past Saturday I opened an envelope from Target to discover that they are demanding $500. This caught me off-guard because I was expecting a $50 dollar bill at most since it was only a $35 item with which I was caught. Anyway, I dont have a lawyer and would like to avoid paying the $500 demand for a crime that surely doesnt match the punishment, especially since I don't have access to a sum of money that large. The front of the letter from Target reads: ""The State law that authorizes a merchant to recover damages from an individual who has unlawfully taken merchandise from their store is enclosed with this letter.
The amount of this demand is $500.00.
Payment may be made by credit card, chashier's check, money order, or personal check made payable to "AP Recovery." Please print the name and the file number, referenced at the top of this letter, on your payment and mail to the address shown on the payment stub provided.
<In bold> IMPORTANT NOTICE: Payment of this claim is a release of your cival liability, but does not preclude possible criminal prosecution by local law enforcement officials."
West's 490.5 is excerpted on the back of the sheet.
My question, then, is what would be the best way for me to negotiate with target? Should I send them a letter or e-mail? Thank you for any advice that I may receive.
Two weeks ago, I was caught by a Target employee in the process of shoplifting a 35 dollar item. After taking me to a back room and questioning me, the security guards let me go after I made an incriminating statement and signed it. I wouldnt have normally done this, but it seemed as though my cooperation would prevent them from getting the police involved -- and it did. They told me I would receive a "bill" for the item, but this past Saturday I opened an envelope from Target to discover that they are demanding $500. This caught me off-guard because I was expecting a $50 dollar bill at most since it was only a $35 item with which I was caught. Anyway, I dont have a lawyer and would like to avoid paying the $500 demand for a crime that surely doesnt match the punishment, especially since I don't have access to a sum of money that large. The front of the letter from Target reads: ""The State law that authorizes a merchant to recover damages from an individual who has unlawfully taken merchandise from their store is enclosed with this letter.
The amount of this demand is $500.00.
Payment may be made by credit card, chashier's check, money order, or personal check made payable to "AP Recovery." Please print the name and the file number, referenced at the top of this letter, on your payment and mail to the address shown on the payment stub provided.
<In bold> IMPORTANT NOTICE: Payment of this claim is a release of your cival liability, but does not preclude possible criminal prosecution by local law enforcement officials."
West's 490.5 is excerpted on the back of the sheet.
My question, then, is what would be the best way for me to negotiate with target? Should I send them a letter or e-mail? Thank you for any advice that I may receive.
