I was charged for theft under few months back... 've gone to the court did the diversion program and now 'm free by the court.. my case is done.. but the retailer store that I stole from sent me letter saying that I have to pay $500 as compensation. To be honest if I had that kind of money I would've sent them the money order.. but I really don't have no money.. 'm not working and 'm single mom living with my parents... they said that I have to pay the money by August 21st or else they're proceed it to civil court or something... but till date I havent' sent them a penny and I really don't know what should I do :( and I can't afford a lawyer too

I do believe that the court should have told you you were suppose to pay them. I would go back to the court and show them the paper and ask what you are suppose to do.
Was what you stole valued @ $500.

The judge said that now my case is dismissed since I did the community service as I was said too... they said nothing about whether I should pay or not.. the judge lady just said that my case is dismissed

If what you stole was not worth $500. Then I would definitely say the store is trying to pull something over on you. If you had to pay them anything the Judge would have said so esoecially if what you took didn't equal $500.

I would just avoid them and let them take you to court. My bet is they don't.