retail theft for a $12 item, is it typical to get a fine for $200 from the large retail store and a fine from the city for $378.00 ??

Question

retail theft for a $12 item, is it typical to get a fine for $200 from the large retail store and a fine from the city for $378.00 ??

Answer

Yes, WI law specifically authorized separate civil suits for punitive damages by retail stores, in addition to the consequences of any court prosecutions, regardless of the value of what you have stolen. However, if you value job your future, mere fines should be the least of your worries, since shoplifting or theft of any other sort is a crime of honesty, making you far less desirable as an employee for any job which places you in a position of trust or requires the handling of money. Instead, you should concentrate on the future criminal or ordinance record you will have for the rest of your life. If you ever need to find a job again in the future, your record will cost you far more in the long run than any fine or damages you pay now. If hired soon enough, a lawyer can often help you to repair your record or present it in a way that will be less likely to leave you unemployed in the future.

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