[shockeds]

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:

[Marriedguy]

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

[desseria5]

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.

[Fr_Chuck]

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.