Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy)

What was paid to the store is considered a civil penalty - now she must have a hearing on the criminal aspect - with first time offenders it is generally a fine imposed up to $200 or $250 and possibly a probation period and of course a no contact order - which means she is barred from the store for a certain amount of time.

If you had not paid the civil penalty Macy's could file a lawsuit in civil court for the amount (if she were found guilty in the criminal charge) - but since you agreed to pay the penalty no civil suit will be filed. This is a confusing aspect - because if you pay the civil penalty then that is, in essence, an admission of guilt - therefore, that can be used against a person who would want to plead not guilty in a criminal charge wherein it can be stated that they paid the civil penalty - therefore hard to say Not Guilty.

If she were going to fight the charge, then the civil penalty should not have been paid - the criminal charge would have had to be adjudicated before Macy's could file a lawsuit.

If my answer has been helpful, please ACCEPT my answer so I get credit for my effort to help you . If I can be of further help, let me know. Appropriate FEEDBACK is appreciated as is a bonus. Thanks ~ Michelle