My friend was recently caught shoplifting while i was with him, why is it we both have to pay the $150 fine?

Question

While i was with my friend he was shoplifting from a department store, i knew he was doing this, but never once touched any of the merchandise, let alone stole any of it...long story short, the loss prevention officer got us and took us both in. Luckily we didn't have the cops called on us, but we were both forced to pay a $150 fine. Apparently i was the "accomplice" and therefore (to him) i am also guilty. I think this is bull ****, but its better than having the cops on me...do i really have to pay this fine?

Answer 1

I agree with apricot lover... You saw it, did nothing to stop it, that makes you an accomplice. Sorry that's life.

By the way maybe you outta change friends.

Answer 2

Yes, you do.  You have to pick your friends wisely, and in this case, you did not.  You suffer the consequences, same as he.

Sounds like you are getting of lightly.

Answer 3

if they stopped u inside the store you could always say you were going to pay for it and thats also against the law and i would get an attorney to look into it.

Answer 4

From a lawyer.  Accomplices also drive get-a-way cars or act as "look outs" in bank robberies and other crimes when people are killed.  They get the death sentence.

Answer 5

Just goes to show you ---

You should have stolen something also!

Answer 6

Yes, you need to pay the fine.  No offense or anything, but not stopping your friend is just as bad as helping him.  You knew what he was doing and didn't try to dissuade him, or at least walk away and let him suffer the consequences of his actions.  If you don't want to pay another fine or end up in jail, drop your "friend" especially if he starts wanting you to help him.    

Answer 7

Yeah, of course you do. Grow up and don't be playing the "Who me", "poor me" or "my friend screwed me" card. How old are you anyway,.. eight?  If your any older than that than act as responsible as you would like to be treated. If for no other reason, you screwed up openly admitting being with him knowing he was shoplifting. I mean,..Duh!!

   Number 1, you were with him, knew what he was doing but didn't stop him.What would you call what you were doing? Even better, tell us..  What would you like the loss prevention officer to call what part you played?

   #2 the police weren't called, you should be thankful it didn't go any further,and before it does..

   #3, pay the $150. for being just plain stupid but lucky you weren't arrested.

Answer 8

You were there, saw it, and didn't do anything to stop it.  That makes you an accomplice.  You would have left the store with him having that stolen stuff had you not gotten caught, right?  That makes you an accomplice.  And yes, you HAVE to pay it or it's juvie for you.  

Perhaps it's time for you to pick better friends as well.  A real friend doesn't steal from anyone.

Answer 9

You were with a person you knew was shoplifting.  You are an accessory and could be charged with a crime -- and convicted.  Pay the fine.  You were definitely in the wrong here.