How much will the fine be? Will this be on profile backgroup? Need to go court ?What will happen?

Question

One of my sibling, got caught shoplifting at Kmart in the state of California she's 19. I am just curious what will happen. The loss provention , showed all the evidence video camera and the stuff was in her purse. They told her if she cooperate she will not go to jail . There were no police at the site . They just took all her information down , at the end they told her she will receive a letter of a fine that she will have to pay . They didn't say anything else's . She had ask them what else's would happen beside the fine. They didn't have an answer for it beside they don't know only the store lawyer would have the answer to all they know is there will be a fine. She and I are very curious what will happen next. Another question is will this show on her profile background ? Not sure about that cause it didn't involve with law enforcement. How much will this fine be total cost of those item around $150.00. Do she need to go court ? This is the first time she shoplift or disobey the law. Please, if anyone knows . Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

All that will happen in this case is that Kmart will send her a demand letter, as long as she pays the damages promptly.  The letter will say how and where to pay.  Can't say how much, but expect it to be at least $500.

If she doesn't pay, they will probably file a criminal charge, which will result in court, fines, an arrest record, etc.  And possibly a civil case, in which will ask for even higher damages.

Your sister is very lucky she wasn't arrested.  That's not likely to happen again.  Hopefully, she will learn her lesson.