I was at Kmart in Pennsylvania and I stole a few things and my girlfriend did also we got taken in the back and I complied with the 2 managers and I gave them everything back I got placed in cuffs and my girlfriend got sent home she picked me up a hour later after I got fingerprinted after this a week later we both got letters from a law office demanding money I was told I didn't have to appear to court due to my first time offense and I was enrolled in the stop program and I don't get why she got off free and I didn't and should I pay this from the law office or no? Need help!

Hello d:

I'd be happy my girlfriend got off. If it were me, I'm make the law firm SUE me. Certainly, they want probably a THOUSAND times the value of the stuff you stole. I'd NEVER pay that willingly.. I'm sure a judge would agree with YOU.

excon

I'm not so sure the judge would agree. There is legal precedence for these corporate fines.

Hello again, Scott:

The OP should argue that the store oughtn't be allowed to enrichen themselves off the backs of the hapless.. This is CIVIL court, after all. It's where people go to get whole - not BETTER than whole. Reimbursing the store for its loss IS appropriate. Awarding them MORE than that, isn't.

excon

Not saying I agree with the civil penalties, just that there is legal precedent for them.