Asked 3/28/2016 – San Antonio, TX

i have a friend who was caught shoplifting a $3 box of cereal at walmart in texas. LP took him inside the office, had him sign the papers giving his ss #, address etc. no police were contacted and he was free to go after the papers were signed. he was told that he may or may not receive a letter from walmart in the mail to pay civil fines, and that if he refused to pay the fines walmart could sue and take him to court.

a) if he refuses to pay, is there a strong chance that walmart might sue for the theft?
b) if he were to pay, would this put him in some sort of retail theft database? would this pop up if he were applying for retail jobs?
c) if he refuses to pay, would the fine go to collections? would walmart drop the charge? thank you

Answer

There is a difference between a civil proceeding and criminal prosecution. If your friend receives a letter from Wal-Mart or an attorney representing them regarding payment, ignore it. If your friend receives a ticket in the mail from the police, a call from any law enforcement agency or a notice from any court to appear, contact a local attorney immediately.