Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Wisconsin

I am a student and my employer sent me a court citation and complaint for theft for $10 but the total fee is over 600. Although there isn't a written policy for why they are charging me for giving 10 cent discounts to customers, if i pay the fine can they still pursue more legal action? Would it be better to fight this or ask for a reduction?


Asked on 4/27/15, 9:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

JAY Nixon nixon law offices

This all sounds fishy to me so you should go over the paperwork with a lawyer to get your answer, since no lawyer could even guess at what you should do without first reading it. In routine shoplifting cases, however, it is normal for stores to make civil court demands for recovery of money (as punitive damages), in addition to issuing charges through a circuit court or municipal court system. Paying this demand therefore will not necessarily resolve the matter and you could face both a civil lawsuit as well as a criminal or municipal court charge, if you are not careful. On the other hand, if paying civil damages really gets you out of all other legal problems (via a legal release of all claims and covenant not to sue you (or ask for law enforcement charges in the future) it might be a good deal for you, if you really were guilty of a theft in the workplace. However, you are likely to be forever marked as a workplace thief, which could make it difficult for you to find jobs in the future. You therefore urgently need legal help either way if you care about your future.

Answering this question does not make me your attorney, but you can post comments here for clarifications, etc. You can also see my past answers to similar questions on Law Guru at http://www.lawguru.com/answers/atty_profile/view_attorney_profile/jknixon. View other past answers at http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/53401-wi-jay-nixon-1529181/answers.html?sort=recency. Answers may contain attorney advertising materials.

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Answered on 4/28/15, 3:47 am


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