Civil demand

[Civil demanded]

Jurisdiction

Iowa

What is civil demand, and do I have to pay it?

 

[army judge]

What is civil demand, and do I have to pay it?

If a person gets caught stealing from a merchant.
After the dust settles, the merchant sends a civil demand letter seeking money from you.
There are many different opinions on paying, or not paying.
Everyone agrees that no one should steal.
What you decide is up to you.
There have been many discussions about "to pay" or "not to pay" on this site.
The same topic has been discussed all over the 'net.

I'll let you decide what you want to do.

All I'll say is never, ever steal anything for the rest of your life.

 

[mightymoose]

You have no legal obligation to pay it, but paying it would make it go away.
If you don't pay it then they would continue collection attempts and MIGHT seek action against you in criminal or civil court. You have no obligation to pay anything until ordered by a judge.
Demand laws vary by state. Learn exactly what yours is and what its limits are. It is not uncommon for collection agencies to try to get more beyond those limits.

 

[shrinkmaster]

These two links should help you decide

A recent writing of mine - Parent Nook Forums

Civil Recovery

 

[Betty3]

You can do a google search & get all kinds of info on civil demands & whether to pay or not pay. (your decision) You can also do a google search on civil demands in your state of Iowa.

It is generally suggested you pay to fend off further consequences of your stealing.