I was with someone who got caught shoplifting and they had my bag with all my stuff in it like my previous purchases and my license. I wasn't the one shoplifting but I was still there. The police weren't called and I had walked away when my friend got caught so the store (Sears) personnel never talked to me. He wasn't arrested but I got a fine today in the mail for $165 for shoplifting. I'm an education major and I wanted to know if this will be on my record. Also I work at a clothing store. Will I get fired because of this? This is in the state of Pennsylvania

You can not get a "fine" in the mail. You can get a court summons to appear in court for a trial. And after the trial or after you plead guilty, the court can issue a fine.

The store can issue a civil penalty. The store can ask for money, and in return they do not go to the police and press charges.

Did your friend use your name when he got caught?

Please come back and tell us what is happening, since no you could not get a fine in the mail.

... and they had my bag with all my stuff in it like my previous purchases and my license. ...

Doesn't ring true. I guess it's plausible that your friend could have been carrying your "bag" (meaning purse) for you, containing your license. But why would you put your previous purchases in your purse. Alternatively, if by "bag" you mean a plastic bag containing your purchases, what would your license be doing in it?

Doesn't ring true. I guess it's plausable that your friend could have been carrying your "bag" (meaning purse) for you, containing your license. But why would you put your previous purchases in your purse. Alternatively, if by "bag" you mean a plastic bag containing your purchases, what would your license be doing in it?


Couldn't agree with you more - and if the question is whether a shoplifting conviction will "show," yes, it will.

A dismissal depends on who runs the check.

You don't get a fine in the mail.

I'd come up with a better explanation for Court.