Shoplifted $10.58 Worth Of Merchandise, Fined $350

[Lastingimpression]

Yeah, it's terribly unfair getting "pummeled" with those fines and all. Heck, in Saudi Arabia you'd just get a slap on the wrist - with a meat cleaver.

Very funny

First of all, you said, "I know it was wrong now, and i regret it none stop." I am glad you are learning your lesson. Some lessons are more costly than others. And although I don't agree with the amount of fine that you are being charged with, it makes the lesson drive home. Tell me this...how prone are you to shoplift again...not likely, I am sure of it. If you really want to hit someone where it counts, hit them in their pocket book (as the expression goes).

I think your situation involves sucking it up (another expression) and taking responsibility for your actions. You will find that trying to fight the reduction of the fine more hassle than its worth. Do you realize all the stress, frustration, and time will go into the process of trying to reduce the fine? And how much are we talking about here...$100! Its not worth it...believe me!

The minimum fine they can charge you is $100 + the cost of the item and not more than $1000 + the cost of the item. Just be thankful that you did not get charged $1000!

[souperdave]

......Obviously the stores hike up the prices for all shoppers because they expect shoplifters to steal.........

F.Y.I.: prices are hiked BECAUSE shoplifters steal!

I find it amusing when it comes to pass, "...well I know I did wrong and need to face punishment, but I didn't think it would be that much, I only stole $___.__(fill in the blank), it's so unfair that I have to pay that much.....blah,blah,blah...."

Count your 'blessings' that you didn't go home via a Police Station.

Now go forth and sin no more.

[usedbranflakes]

What the illustrious judges and attorneys are not telling you (because it is terrible advice) is this:
Note - I would NEVER EVER do this if my kid was caught and released like a little bluegill.

Your parents have the option of challenging the civil remediation fees in a court of law.

Why would this be stupid advice, even if it is within your rights? Well, let Uncle UBF tell you:
The LP folks and the KMart WILL pursue this in civil court because it is a *slam dunk* win as long as LP shows up or the local attorney shows up. LP loves going to court; they usually get overtime for it.

The fine will shoot up to around $1011, they will stack on a few hundred bucks in legal and processing fees and possibly the LP employees overtime, and then they will try to get 25% (or so) retroactive interest from the time that you attempted to deprive them of their right to sell the merchandise.

*** In ADDITION to that they can also make the choice to press charges through the police. This will result in another fine and possibly even criminal restitution (likely $250-$300 PLUS paying the civil judgement), court costs of a few hundred dollars. An attorney will run your parents about $500 to $1000 in this type of case. ...and the case will follow you around like a psycho ex-girlfriend (you haven't had one of these yet...you will when you get older)...it will follow you around like a bad haircut. You can forget getting into a good college or getting a good military MOS until after you are 18 and the record is sealed.

The way I see it is that they are offering you the chance to buy your freedom and buy your parents some peace of mind for about 1/15th of what it would cost you if you fought it.


You may also hear that "Teenagers don't have enough brains to tan their own hide." If not, Google it.