Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Although you don't say, I assume you were charged with larceny from the store. What happened to the stolen items? Did the store get them back? What the store appears to be seeking is restitution to reimburse it for the lost merchandise. It is NOT a fine, and stores don't have any authority to "fine" you for your actions. You already addressed the issue of "fines" with the court, and the court only asked you to pay $150 in court costs. If the store was entitled to collect $250 from you, I'm a little surprised that the court didn't address that when you were there, and make you also pay the store what you owe them. That the court didn't address this makes me wonder if the store is entitled to anything at all from you. Long story short: If the store did not lose $250 because of your actions, they are not entitled to collect a "fine" from you. Stores often send these letters out to shoplifters, even if they are not entitled to collect.

You have already been convicted and as such the store can't take you back to criminal court-However, they may bring a civil action against you. I to am suprised that the issue of resitution wasn't addressed in the court-was it even talked about? Was there a store rep present? Without knowing all the facts this is the best answer I can give at this time.