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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    4

    Default Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls, No Police Involved

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Rhode Island

    Yesterday, I was caught shoplifting a $13 eyeliner from Kohls in Massachusetts. I live in Rhode Island.
    The police were not called. They took down my information (NOT my SS number though- I don't know it by heart). They told me that I was only banned from that particular store for one year, and that I would receive a fine in the mail.
    They did not tell me how much it would be for, so I am wondering what to expect.
    Like I said, they did not contact the police AND I was with my sister who is 18 so they just released me to her and we went home. I did not tell my mom, and I am hoping I can just pay off the fine if it is not too expensive, and carry on.
    (OBVIOUSLY, I feel terrible and guilty and awful. I know it was wrong and I will most definitely never be doing that again. So stupid.)
    Any advice for what is going to happen to me?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Also, there were no damages to the eyeliner. It was as good as new, I simply took it out of it's box. Not sure if that affects my fines or not.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls (No Police)

    Actually, Rhode Island is one of the places it's good to be a minor. They have no statutory right to that demand on (non-emancipated minors). If you were an adult, they could hit you up for 3 times the value of the item plus somewhere between $100 and $500 (plus court costs if they have to take you to court to collect it).

    You probably dodged a bullet there. If you get a letter from Kohls's lawyers you can respond that you are under 18 and cite that RI Code 11-41-28 does not apply to minors.

    The fact that you opened the box makes the eyeliner unsalable. They can't (or at least shouldn't) put potentially tainted cosmetics back on the shelf as new.

    They still could report you to the police, but that's probably not likely. You need to tell your parents anyhow before they see the letter from the "lawyers" and find out that in addition to being a thieving little girl, you're deceitful and disrespectful to them as well.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls (No Police)

    Last, Kohl's usually bans you from ALL Kohl's stores. So read that paper very closely, so you avoid a Criminal Trespass charge.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
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    4

    Default Re: Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls (No Police)

    Quote Quoting flyingron
    View Post
    Actually, Rhode Island is one of the places it's good to be a minor. They have no statutory right to that demand on (non-emancipated minors). If you were an adult, they could hit you up for 3 times the value of the item plus somewhere between $100 and $500 (plus court costs if they have to take you to court to collect it).

    You probably dodged a bullet there. If you get a letter from Kohls's lawyers you can respond that you are under 18 and cite that RI Code 11-41-28 does not apply to minors.

    The fact that you opened the box makes the eyeliner unsalable. They can't (or at least shouldn't) put potentially tainted cosmetics back on the shelf as new.

    They still could report you to the police, but that's probably not likely. You need to tell your parents anyhow before they see the letter from the "lawyers" and find out that in addition to being a thieving little girl, you're deceitful and disrespectful to them as well.
    Thank you for the advice! So you're saying that if I write back, I can avoid paying the fine?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Quoting PandorasBox
    View Post
    Last, Kohl's usually bans you from ALL Kohl's stores. So read that paper very closely, so you avoid a Criminal Trespass charge.
    The LP specifically said: "You cant come back here for another year. You can go to other Kohls stores, but if you come to this one you will be charged for trespassing."

    Do you think he had the facts straight?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls (No Police)

    You likely signed a form with the Trespass warning. A generic Kohl's form means ALL stores.

    Before you go into any Kohl's store in the country - you are best advised to call the store and ask for a copy of the Trespass notice to be mailed to you.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Ah.....

    2nd thread.

    2nd charge.

    As to Kohl's - you are best to call and ask for a copy of the trespass notice you signed. Most times, it is ALL Kohl's period.

    2nd offense - you bet the prosecutor and judge will see the prior record.

    You can bet your parents will need a lawyer. 2nd charge as it is and out of state.

    You can expect court costs, fines. Civil Demand. With this being your second time stealing - you may have to attend an Anti-shoplifting class, at your parents expense. Possibly Probation this time.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls (No Police)

    Even if I was not arrested either time? All that happened was that I had to pay a fine. I paid it, and u don't even think I signed anything the first time. Plus it was a different store. I'm expecting only a fine again this time since the first one wasn't on my record!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: Minor Caught Shoplifting in Kohls (No Police)

    Ok, I re-read your threads. No lawyer until next time when you do get arrested.

    Your other thread said "no lecture", but I'm going to give you one anyway.

    If you don't stop shoplifting - you can count on being arrested and charged. When that time comes - well, there is a sign at WalMart that says how shoplifting can cost you thousands of dollars. They are not kidding. A lawyer for a simple theft case can run $1000 or more. Plus the fines, the anti-shoplifting class you may be ordered to attend and pay for. We've recently seen a woman who posted here - as it is her 4th or 5th offense, she now qualifies for Felony level and Repeat Offender and jail time, along with a lot of fines.

    Aside from that, it can affect you getting financial aid for college. It can make finding a job very difficult (which means no apartment or car). Many apartment buildings can turn you away for having committed a crime of "moral turpitude".

    You need to speak with your parents about this. Before you get into serious trouble. You can also check around your area for Shoplifters Anonymous meetings. Or talk to your school counselor about getting some help for this issue.

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