When Do You Have to Pay a Fine for Shoplifting

[T-ara]

In some shoplifting cases when the value of the goods is minor and it is a first time offense, perhaps committed by a minor, the criminal justice system will issue a warning to the shoplifting offender rather than prosecute the case. This depends wholly on the circumstances, and does not mitigate the unlawfulness of shoplifting.[/QUOTE]

So if it's just a warning do you still need to pay a fine? When they didn't say anything about a letter coming in the mail. No cops and no need o go to court.

[Mr. Knowitall]

A warning is a warning. A prosecution is a prosecution. If you steal you should expect the latter.

[T-ara]

But the guy didn't say anything about me receiving a letter, he just said that everything is alright i'm not allowed into that store unless i'm with a parents. He also say that no one will know about the incident and what happen, only me and who was there and I even made sure and ask if I would need to go to court, but he say No. So there will still be a letter?

[Rider673]

@T-ara: If there were no police involved then you aren't going to be prosecuted. No district attorney is going to file a case (on a shoplifting incident) unless there is a police officer who can back up the merchant's story. Count yourself very lucky and don't ever do something that stupid again.

A while back I earned myself a DWI and while that was incredibly stupid (to drive drunk), it was my first time doing anything illegal and I am very happy that it didn't involve dishonesty or theft. Both of those are *way* worse than simple DWI in an employer's eyes.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Rider, you need to stop posting nonsense all over this board. The vast majority of shoplifting prosecutions occur based upon the testimony of the merchant or its employees.