Walmart Shoplifting Policies

[amacey310]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey

My 16 year old sister was caught shoplifting at a local Wal-Mart. She was with her now ex-bff and my mother was told that my sister had $28 worth of merchandise on her. My sister told my mother that she didn't steal anything and that her bff was the one who had the stuff. Obviously I know it is most likely a lie that she didn't have anything on her but if she was telling the truth is she still obligated to pay a fine? My mother was told that Wal-Mart was not going to press charges and that she would receive a letter in the mail to pay a $150 fine. I have seen that sometimes instead of receiving the letter for the payment of the fine people are receiving letters to appear in court. Can this happen? Instead of paying the fine she may actually be charged? Does any one know how this typically works? My mother does not know what she should do because we have no experience with this type of thing. My mother did not actually pick my sister up from Wal-Mart because they released my sister to her bff step-dad before they actually talked to my mom. Should she call Wal-Mart and ask to see the video?

[PandorasBox]

Even if your sister was just with her ex-bff, she can be counted as an accessory.

Best advice: Pay up that Civil Demand, or the store may file Criminal Charges AND the Civil Penalty will still stick. 16 years old...it is up to mom/dad to pay the Civil or face a Civil Lawsuit. At this point, I would have her get a job to pay mom/dad back.

$150 is getting off really easy.

The only way to see the video would be through a Criminal Defense Attorney.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Is it possible to be prosecuted for the crime of shoplifting, instead of or in addition to receiving a civil demand? Of course it is. If the store has indicated that they'll be satisfied with the payment of a civil demand and don't intend to prosecute, you can generally take them at their word. If mom wants to kick a potential hornet's nest, mom can start giving the store a hard time about the child they caught shoplifting.