Help with shoplifting please?

What is the name of your state? California

I was caught shoplifting at a grocery store in San Mateo County, CA in December, 2003. The in-house security wrote up a report, took my photo and i.d. info and said I couldn't come back to the store for a month.

On January 20, 2004, I received a demand letter from Safeway's attorney for $250. I am on social security disability and can't afford to pay this. What are my legal remedies with regard to paying this? What else will happen besides this demand?

I am very scared. I am in chronic pain and on a lot of medications and I didn't mean to do it.

Thank you for any advice.

p.s. one attorney I talked to said not to pay the demand.

Should I write a letter explaining my financial status?

work out a payment plan with the Safeway attorney if you can.

if you ignore the demand, the next thing will be a civil suit.