Kmart Shoplifting

[andycaps]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
Hi, For the first and last time in my life i was stupid enough to steal 30 dollars of stuff at kmart. I went with two other friends who convinced me to do it, and it was their first time as well and i am pretty sure their last. One of them stole 30 and another 70. We got caught and they took down our info and said we would get a fine in mail. The cops were not called. I am pretty broke to pay the standard 300 dollar fine or afford a lawyer. what happens now and if none of us pay? I am going crazy because i dont know what to do except regret.

[Security Consultant]

What "standard" $300 fine are you talking about?

[andycaps]

well from research most people who did 15 or 30 dollars of shoplifting said they got mail saying 300 to 350 dollar fine

[Security Consultant]

In the State if New York, if the merchandise is recovered and in salable condition, the Civil Demand penalty is not to exceed the greater of five times the retail price of the merchandise or seventy-five dollars; provided, however, that in no event shall such penalty exceed five hundred dollars.

[andycaps]

well i guess i will update once i get the letter... what will happen if i dont pay it?

[flyingron]

You might be sued for a greater amount.
You might be reported to the police.
What will happen, we can not predict.

[andycaps]

well both my friends got letters for 500 but i did not get anything in my mailbox... so what now? Also, how much time do they have to call and get the police involved?

[PandorasBox]

It depends on state, but 1-2 years.

[andycaps]

anyone know for sure? i am somewhat worried that i havent gotten a letter. what if they press charges because I didnt do anything?

[LawResearcherMissy]

If they press charges, it will be for shoplifting, not for "not doing anything".

It can take anywhere from several days to several months for a civil demand to be issued. When it arrives, pay it.

You're just going to have to wait for the statute of limitations to run, now. If I were you, I'd stay out of that KMart, lest they get a bee in the bonnet to prosecute you after all.