Does Shoplifting Stay on Your Record

[Kbravo_08]

My question involves criminal records for the state of: california. On november of 2011 i was caught shoplifting at a sears deparment store. Which i really regret. I had my baby with me which was not even one month old. They had me sign a paper that said my name and that i had shoplifted. They asked for my ID but my ID has my old address and my name is misspelled. The cops never arrived because the guy "felt bad" because i had my new born. I was so scared just thinking about my baby and the stupidity i had done. I asked him if they were going to take me to jail and he said no but that i was hoing to be receiving a letter saying i had to pay $400. I received it at my old address since january but i havent had money to pay it. I just went today to pick up my mail and i had two more letters from that attorney and im scared because i dont want to go to jail. My boyfriend doesnt know about what happened. At work they asked me for a background check and im so scared it will come up there... Please help me!!!!

[Mr. Knowitall]

The reason your "criminal record" is called that, is because it consists of a record of the crimes you have committed. That will include any pending charges.

I cannot tell from what you have said whether you are simply talking about a civil demand, which is not a criminal matter, or if your misrepresentation of your name and address to the police has prevented you from properly being served with a summons, such that there is a warrant for your arrest.

[Kbravo_08]

Its like a payment statement. Its under the california penal code sectio. 409.5 it says that if i do t make a payment sears holdings, Inc may take all necessary legal steps which include civil action in court to collect the mo ey by the stature.