can a grocery store fine you for stealing?

Question

my bros in law is 18yo, and he stole a bottle of visine from winco.  he got caught by security and they pulled him into the office.  there they told him that they wouldnt call the police but he woiuld have to pay a $150.00 fine.  He paid it in cash directly to the security officer.

Im about 95% sure this was illegal, but im not sure.  Is there anything I can do against the store/and  security officer.  I feel like they took advantage of my bros even though he was stealing in the first place

Sugar · Accepted Answer

No, but the owner can press charges.

Anonymous · Answer

In many states, the courts allow shoplifting victims the right to sue in civil court for fines. He shouldn't have paid the security guard, though, but waited for the paperwork in the mail.

oldcork · Answer

no the store cannot fine you they can call the police and charge him with retail fraud which could be a lot more than the $150 that the security stold from him i think the security guard has a little scam going on to make a little extra money he is a bigger theif than your brothers in law

Citicop · Answer

Yes, it's a settlement so they don't sue you in court.

Although usually it isn't done on the scene.

If you BIL had $150.00 in cash on him, why the heck did he steal visine?  That's an expensive lesson.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes the store can fine you by sending you a fine in the mail. Yes your brother in law was just a victim of larceny.

Anonymous · Answer

I no some one who stole ot to long ago and it was in the paper to and only thing the person got was a small fine and no criminal charge

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can a grocery store fine you for stealing?

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