VHS
Kayla Finley rented the movie 'Monster-In-Law' on VHS in 2005. Something she likely had forgotten all about in the years since. But back in the day when you rented a VHS tape 2 things were expected of you: 1) Be kind and rewind 2) Return the tape. Kayla forgot number 2. So the store, which has since gone out of business, obviously filed a criminal complaint. Now, I told you that story so I could tell you this, during a routine records check on the young lady the 9 year old warrant for failure to return a VHS tape turned up. Ms Finley was subsequently arrested and jailed for the offense So be warned by this cautionary tail. If you have any old movies laying around the house that you forgot all about, return them. And for God's sakes, be kind and rewind!
Update: Charges were dropped by the store owner.
Comments
It seems to me that some statute of limitation should apply. Look at the state of recorded general sale video today. One can pick movies at Wal Mart 3 months after they leave the theatres for 20 bucks. And who would restitution be paid to at this point?
I'll bet the prosecutor is patting himself on the back for ridding society of this very dangerous tape thief.
I'll bet the prosecutor is patting himself on the back for ridding society of this very dangerous tape thief.
Posted by KDP on 02/17/14 at 09:24 AM
If they don't drop the case before trial, They will probably have trouble finding the complaining witness. :lol: :coolsmile:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 02/17/14 at 10:12 AM
Sony (or one of their ilk) will pursue the case for copyright theft.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 02/17/14 at 10:48 AM
Sorry, but I don't see this as being totally outlandish.
People (and companies) must be free to file criminal complaints -- it's a proven deterrent to theft, and it's necessary when writing off losses (IRS often disallows such deductions if no complaints were filed).
Processing complaints costs money. The courts should recoup those costs from criminals instead of being a drain on honest taxpayers. The only way for the courts to do that is by having the accused brought before a judge.
When someone is arrested, their bail ensures that what they cost the system will be repaid.
If court clerks could throw out a criminal complaint because they deem it's not important, then their friends or family could get away with anything short of murder.
Also, taxes would be sky-high and city halls would be extremely short on staff if they could only hire people capable of making intelligent and unbiased decisions.
TL;DR -- having procedures set in stone can result in ridiculous incidents, but it's best for everyone.
People (and companies) must be free to file criminal complaints -- it's a proven deterrent to theft, and it's necessary when writing off losses (IRS often disallows such deductions if no complaints were filed).
Processing complaints costs money. The courts should recoup those costs from criminals instead of being a drain on honest taxpayers. The only way for the courts to do that is by having the accused brought before a judge.
When someone is arrested, their bail ensures that what they cost the system will be repaid.
If court clerks could throw out a criminal complaint because they deem it's not important, then their friends or family could get away with anything short of murder.
Also, taxes would be sky-high and city halls would be extremely short on staff if they could only hire people capable of making intelligent and unbiased decisions.
TL;DR -- having procedures set in stone can result in ridiculous incidents, but it's best for everyone.
Posted by Phideaux on 02/17/14 at 04:33 PM
OMG !!! all those XXX Betamax tapes I didn't return .. Well at least I did copy them :D
Posted by BrokeDad in Midwest US on 02/17/14 at 08:27 PM
Cautionary "tale" not "tail."
Posted by English Language Enthusiast on 02/20/14 at 06:35 AM
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Category: Scary Criminals