Lots of questions for you guys, from a very sorry FIRST TIME shoplifter in Wisconsin.
1. Do large affiliates (Kohls, Marshall Fields, Target) usually file a civil suit with shoplifted merchandise totalling less than 100 dollars? Will they sue, fine or ban (best case scenario, I guess) the shoplifter from their store?
2. Will large department stores have representatives at the court date?
3. Is it better to pay the fine, or does going to court help? What usually happens at these court procedures, and can people get it wiped from their records or recorded as a lesser offense?
4. What kinds of jobs does having something like shoplifting hinder, customer service/retail, I'd assume, but anything else, in somebody's expert opinion?
5. Will evidence be presented at my court date, if one chooses to attend?
6. Will my parents (both attorneys) catch wind of a shoplifting allogation? How confidential do they keep records (I'm not a minor)?
7. If I have an address change before I get any notice of action taken against me, who should I call to notify the persecution of the new address?
Thanks

