do stores have the right to fine you for shoplifting?

Question

also my son was arrested, tried and fined by the courts.

Answer 1

they have no authority..they just call the police to enforce it.

Answer 2

In some states, the answer is "sort of".

There are states that have statutes that allow a merchant to sue for statutory damages from a shoplifter. In at least one case, the statute allows a specific amount of damages, unrelated to the value of the item stolen, and recoverable even if the item were recovered or not even successfully taken, and even in the absence of criminal charges. In the case of a minor, the statute makes the parent or guardian financially responsible, even if that person was not present, and even if neither a resident of the state nor even present at the time of the incident.

It's really not exactly a "fine", it's a statutory civil remedy.

Answer 3

It isn't to the store's advantage to say simply "Don't do it again." They are used to teary-eyed teenagers who 'never did that before,' and they need an option to discourage them.

It is doubtful a store has the legal right to levy a fine. On the other hand, if they agree not to prosecute, it may be worth your while to compensate them for their lenience. After that, shop elsewhere.

Answer 4

i work at a grocery store and man oh man we get shoplifter EVERYDAY for any little thing ,we dont fine but we should especially for repeated offenders i mean c'mon people


its like saying when a person breaks into your house and takes stuff do you have the right to shoot em

HELLL YEAH IN TEXAS

Answer 5

They cannot directly fine you, but if your state/locality has a statute that requires you to pay restitution to the store for shoplifting, they can make you do that.

Answer 6

Store typically cannot fine you, they can ban you and have you prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, it all depends on where you live and what the penal code gives them the power to do.

Answer 7

No shoplifting is a crime,and the store cain't fine you.they can bar you from ever coming
back in.,or turn you over to the police.the judge can fine you,and put you on probation.
the store if they try to fine you.it's like taking your money free,and then baring you.
IT'S AGINEST THE LAW

Answer 8

This is a common practice. they tell you to pay them a penalty and not to come back in exchange for not pressing charges. Read this article/question. It states that certain states allow stores to recover civil damages from you if you are caught shoplifting.

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9942

Answer 9

They can fine you if they bring a civil suit (however, what would be their theory of recovery if you stole nothing would be another issue)

Answer 10

Is your son the village idiot or what?