I was recently arrested for shoplifting. The charges were dropped but the store sent me a bill for $399.00 that they said were shoplifting penalties. I have since filed bankruptcy, included the charges in my bankruptcy and thought everything was fine. I got a letter from a collections company yesterday stating I needed to pay up. Is this true? Do I need to pay this money or were the penalties taken care of when my bk was discharged?

Do I need to pay this money or were the penalties taken care of when my bk was discharged?Hello so:

Send 'em a copy of your bankruptcy papers and tell 'em NOT to bother you again.

excon

I would run this past your bankruptcy Attorney - I believe Court ordered and Court approved restitution, fines, penalties are NOT dischargable in bankruptcy.

I believe Court ordered and Court approved restitution, fines, penalties are NOT dischargable in bankruptcy.Hello Judy:

Of course, what you say is true if that what this was.. However, I believe the letter she received is one of these civil demands these stores make upon people. I don't believe they carry the weight of law and can be discharged.

excon