Caught Stealing at a Store - What Do I Do Next

[bpate]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois

I am 19 years old and I was caught a few days ago taking an item that was 6.79 at a walmart in vermillion county Illinois. They took me back to the security room.I as very cooperative and nice. It was my first and last offense and the cops were not called. They took my information and gave me a paper that talks about what I am responsible for. They told me I would be getting something in the mail if the authority decided to take action even though they recovered the item. but that i would be recieving something in the mail to not to ignore it because its important They said if they did it wouldn't be less that $100 or more than $1000. My question is what do I do next? Is it possible I can get out of court and just pay a fine? and how will this affect me with getting my CNA license? If anyone could please help I'd appriciate it!

[jk]

If the police were not called, it is almost certain you will not be charged criminally.

The >$100 <$1000 thing is called a civil demand or civil forfeiture. It is basically a fine the merchant can demand the shoplifter pay.

[bpate]

so does that mean i have to go to court? or can i just pay it outright and avoid court?

[jk]

so does that mean i have to go to court? or can i just pay it outright and avoid court?

the civil demand has nothing to do with the possible criminal case. It is a fine the merchant can demand whether you are criminally charged or not. Unless you receive something from the police or court, you are not being criminally charged. While it is unlikely you would be charged since the police were not called, it isn't impossible to charge you so you will simply have to wait to see if you are charged.

[bpate]

do you have any idea how long it might be until i recieve that in the mail? but since the police werent contacted and i wasnt arrested or anything i probably wont have to go to court , am i understanding that correctly?

[jk]

hard to say how long before Wally sends the demand. They usually are quick about it so just hang loose for awhile.

and yes, you are understanding what I said about the criminal situation correctly.

[bpate]

thanks i appriciate it ill def probably be asking for more advice