I was caught shop lifting a few weeks ago.. they called the cops, and the cops said I wasn't being charged, but gave me a time frame of 6 months.. and a 1 year ban from the store. THey had also said that I would receive my fine in the mail.. what is a civil deman letter and what happens if I don't pay it?

Some areas have legalized so-called civil demand letters from companies that were the victims of theft. Basically uou pay the fine or they prosecute you for criminal acts.

Pay it!

They come after you.

If you do not pay, several things could happen.

The store goes back to the police, they charge you with the crime, since you refused to pay. And you end up in court, paying a court fine,and still paying the "store" fine. You basically will end up paying double and have a record Think of it as a legal form of blackmail.

Or they sue you and get a judgement and ruin your credit.

Or of course they do both

Why would you not pay it? You should consider yourself lucky that they are giving you this chance rather than charging you for it.