Articles

Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney

Shoplifting and Civil Demand Letters

Shoplifting may seem like a minor crime, but retailers feel differently. The warning signs posted around dressing rooms, restrooms, and exits should not be taken lightly. If you get caught shoplifting, the plaintiff has several options. They can report it to the police to press criminal charges, they can file a civil lawsuit, and they can send you a civil demand letter.

What is a civil demand letter?

A civil demand letter is sent to a person caught shoplifting. It demands a certain sum of money, often in excess of the stolen goods – even if the stolen goods were recovered undamaged. The money is meant to cover the expense incurred by shoplifters, including the cost of hiring security guards, the cost of installing security systems, the cost of teaching employees how to deal with shoplifters and the cost of legal fees, such as having a lawyer on retainer.

What happens if you don’t pay?

In many cases, nothing. This is especially true if you were caught shoplifting something of minor value. A civil demand letter is a legal attempt to obtain money, but it’s not one you’re legally obliged to pay. Many stores will send out civil demand letters because they don’t cost much to write and send. They could follow up by filing a civil lawsuit, or by pursuing criminal charges. For many stores, this simply isn’t worth the time and money it would cost to do so, especially if the theft was minor. That doesn’t mean that they won’t take further action, however.

If you pay, does that mean there will be no charges?

No. A store can still file a civil lawsuit even if you pay the requested amount of the civil demand letter. It would be illegal for them to accept money in exchange for not suing you.

As for criminal charges, the police, not the store, are the ones who would bring those against you. If the store reported the alleged crime to the police and you have not faced criminal charges by the time you receive the letter, the police probably chose not to press charges.

Keep in mind that if the store bans you from the premises, you can be charged with trespassing if you are found on the property again.

If you have been accused of shoplifting, don’t hesitate to get professional legal advice on what you should do.

Armando Nava's Criminal Defense expertise has been featured in the following publications:
ABC 13 logo az central logofox 10 Phoenix logoAZ mirror imagePhoenix New Times logo
5 star review
Manuel Vasquez

Armando is best attorney hands down! Awesome ways of communicating with me utilizing multiple forms of communication like his portal/phone/ or text! He also will always try to find the best deals for you possible. Lastly, very resourceful as to who he can verify you with for different services/needs if he’s not able to help you with something!

Google Logo
5 star review
Joan Espinoza

If I could give Armando Nava more than a 5 star review I would do it in a heart beat. I have known him for a while now and he is someone I genuinely respect and admire. He is there for you no matter how hard or easy your case is, he does not judge you, and he does everything in his power to make the client satisfied.

Google Logo
5 star review
Aramis

I am writing this review almost a year after my charge (that I thought was going to do a year in jail) was dismissed. Armando has been very transparent and always available. I still ask him for legal advice even after my case was finished and he always helps. He will be a great ally for you and has been a dear friend for me.

Avvo Logo
desert outside phoenix, Sonoran Desert
Image of Arizona
Have A Case In Arizona?
FREE CONSULTATION
Expertise
Top 40 Under 40 Badge10 Best Client Satisfaction Award for Nava Law
Lead Counsel VerifiedExpertise
Copyright © 2024 Nava Law. All rights reserved.
Designed by:
Lab Coat Marketing
PROVEN CASE RESULTS:
DUIDUI DrugsAggravated AssaultTheftResist ArrestDomestic ViolenceMurder
Accusation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
DUI Drugs (Marijuana)
Case Result:
Case Dismissed

A black man was pulled over by Salt River Police Department while visiting from out of town. Despite showing no signs of impairment, the officers arrested him and charged him with DUI Drugs. We investigated the case heavily and interviewed every officer involved. Ultimately, a motion to suppress was filed and granted after an evidentiary hearing before a Judge.

Accusation:
Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
Case Result:
Reduced to a misdemeanor

A man was charged with attacking a family with a knife. After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that the instrument used was not a knife at all. The Grand Jury had been misled, so we filed a motion challenging the grand jury presentation. The prosecutor, confronted with the truth, agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor with no jail time.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Theft of Means of Transportation
Case Result:
Not Guilty after jury trial

A man was out on a walk and was stopped by police because he was in the area of an attempted vehicle theft. The man maintained his innocence, but the owner of the truck identified him as the man he saw attempt to steal it. We worked tirelessly to prepare a defense and get the prosecution to see reason. The State wouldn’t budge, so the case went to trial. After a 4 day trial, the jury took approximately 10 minutes to return a Not Guilty verdict.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Resist Arrest
Case Result:
Dismissed

A client was charged with resist arrest after being targeted by police during the protests of Summer 2020. Our firm developed a strategy with activists and members of the media that led to a dismissal of our client’s case and, eventually, all cases connected to the political prosecution of the protesters.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Assault & Disorderly Conduct – Domestic Violence
Case Result:
Dismissal after Diversion

A woman and her boyfriend were arguing over the cleaning of their apartment. The police were called after things escalated and the woman was arrested. The Mesa City Prosecutors originally wanted the woman to do jail time. After working the case and providing background information, we were able to get the prosecutor to allow the woman to complete classes in exchange for a dismissal.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

We have experience managing violent cases that fall under the categories of murder and manslaughter. Out of respect for all Nava Law Firm clients that fall under this case type, we are not providing any information on our website. If you or a loved one have been charged with one of these serious charges, do not speak to police officers and please contact our firm immediately to get a free consultation.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.