CRIM CD-RETAIL THEFT-CIVIL

Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Changes the additional amount of damages that may be recovered by the merchant from an amount not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 to an amount equal to the lesser of $500 or 3 times the full retail value of the merchandise. Provides that a merchant may recover civil damages for retail theft by bringing suit in a circuit court or by executing a settlement agreement. Specifies form of settlement agreement. Provides that the settlement agreement shall include a statement that nothing in the agreement shall constitute an admission of guilt for purposes of criminal law and that if the agreement is signed and payment is made in full within 60 days, no police report or criminal complaint will be filed by the merchant relative to the incident. Provides that nothing in the agreement can or will bar the State from instituting the criminal prosecutions as it deems necessary. Effective immediately.