Hi, a friend and I were caught shoplifting. It was the stupidest thing I have done. Since it was our first time they said no charges but I got a bill of $500 and all that I stole was worth $17. If I do not pay this by April 13 the amount will be $900. I am a teen and I Was just wondering would they drop the charges? :confused:

Country and State? I never heard of this type of punishment. I don't understand you say that no charges were got against you?

Have a parent/legal guardian get in contact with the business you shoplifted from- they may have instituted a restitution fee( basically- what they feel it costs to fix what you did - costs of the employees pay for dealing with the issue, paperwork) although $500.00 does sound an awful lot like a legal amount response. In the paperwork you received it should tell you -who sent it to you- the amount ( $500.00) and what recourse you have. Since you are a teen- the use of an adult representative for you would be best. This may even become a matter that might have to be discussed with a lawyer( but that would be extreme) have your parent/ guardian make the first call --and soon don't let that April date pass before contacting them.( I used to work in retail and often dealt with teens and shoplifting-I'll just say - learn your lesson and never do it again.)Good luck and it is good that you are learning from your mistakes.

Are you in Canada for any chance? Often there will be a civil punishment a "cost" to the store for their loss and they collect this instead of or with the criminal, if at this point they did not arreest you, if they did not give you a ticket, if you were not fingerprinted or photo'ed, then no this is not a criminal charge but a civil settlement instead of the criminal charge, If you fail to pay, they can within the statue of limitation still file criminal charges.