What will happen if i dont pay?

Question

I got a letter from palmer, reifler & associates , p.a because i have stoled something from a store. they want 500 bucks.

I know some ppl who received the same letter but never paid. They kept asking them for more money but stopped. So i dont know if i need to pay. or what could happen if i dont.

Answer 1

If you do not pay, it can severly affect your credit.

It seems like the store has already passed the debt onto a collections agency, which is not so great news.

This shows up on your credit report, and affects your score and credit history.  

Credit scores are very important, they pretty much can make or break you ( i.e with good credit you may qualify for a specialty 0% APR special, and with horrible credit you could wind up paying 12%)

I would DEFINITLY suggest to get this resolved as quickly as possibly.

Also, if you are delinquent enough, they could take you to small claims court if they really wanted to.

Best of Luck!

Answer 2

They know your name and address obviously.  They would not be so bold as to ask you for the money without proof so I'm sure they have you on video tape stealing as well as a plainclothes security guards eyewitness report.  This letter is likely from a law office who works for the company you stole from.  

They will file charges against you and take you and your parents to court, costing a lot more than 500 in legal and mandatory court fees.  You will likely be put on probation and possibly do jail time depending on the laws in your state.

This could also interfere with your getting or keeping your drivers license.  Or being able to pass a background check for a job if you are convicted.