Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught, no police

[sylvia19]

So a friend of mine was caught at a grocery store today. She stole 10$ worth of stuff. No police were called, but manager took down information and had her sign a form that said she was aware of possible civil action and fines. What are the chances of getting fined if it was her 1st time and police weren't called? It's in Massachusetts.

 

[thelawjournal]

Its almost certain she will get a letter of Civil Demand from the Civil Recovery service the store uses. The amount I suspect shoud be around (just a guess) $100.00 to $150.00

 

[sylvia19]

Is it just going to be a fine and then everything is dropped after it's paid? Or will there be anything that deals with courts and lawyers?

 

[thelawjournal]

That is up to store. However is she pays the Civil Demand there is no real reason to pursue criminal charges

 

[sylvia19]

So IF a letter is received, and the fee is paid, there won't be ANY record of this incident for her? What's the max amount of time it should take to get the letter?

 

[thelawjournal]

Unless charges are filed the only record is where I stated. The Civil Demand letter can take days, weeks even, months