View Single Post
Old 04-06-2010, 04:03 PM   #8
Qi__
Junior Member
Qi__ began at the beginning.
 
Posts: 2
Karma: 10
Join Date: Mar 2010
Device: Onyx Boox
Downloading compared to shoplifting

Taken from http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/cr...oplifting.html

"Shoplifting laws are governed by individual states and can vary depending on the location of the crime. Shoplifting penalties typically depend on the amount and value of the goods that were stolen, and whether or not the offender has shoplifted before. Each state sets their specific limit on the value of stolen goods which constitutes a misdemeanor charge and that which qualifies as a felony crime.

In most states, shoplifting goods with a value less than $300 to $500 constitutes a petty theft misdemeanor charge. Shoplifting goods with a greater value may constitute a grand theft or larceny felony charge. The charges for shoplifting also depend on whether a person has a criminal history of shoplifting and other specific factors.

The penalties for shoplifting vary by circumstance and location but can include fines up to two times the amount of the value that was stolen, prison or jail time, and community service. In some cases compensatory fines may also be assessed in shoplifting cases in order to compensate a store owner for his or her losses.

In some shoplifting cases when the value of the goods is minor and it is a first time offense, perhaps committed by a minor, the criminal justice system will issue a warning to the shoplifting offender rather than prosecute the case. This depends wholly on the circumstances, and does not mitigate the unlawfulness of shoplifting. "


She downloaded 30 tracks, say .99 cents per track. It's a first time, so it's either a warning or like a $60 fine.

Why is downloading 350x worse than shoplifting?
Qi__ is offline   Reply With Quote