Judge Tom
Dear Anon: Walmart is entitled to asking for this civil fee, which it sounds like is going to be either $100 or so, or 3 times the value of the item(s) stolen (approximately $75 in your case). If they didn’t press charges or call the police, it’s unlikely that you will have to go to court. Keep your eye out for the mail and a letter from the store requesting payment of this fine. If you pay the fine on time, that may be the end of the matter and you will hear nothing more. You may need to request a loan from your parents or figure out some way to pay the fine if you don’t have any money of your own. The letter will state where and how to pay the fine. This incident will not appear in the news or newspaper. Good luck. (Check our Resource Directory for more help and resources in your area. This is information only – not legal advice.)