Regarding Shoplifting and Retail Theft

[Shikanj]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois
Hi,
I made a STUPID mistake recently and was charged with retail theft in the state of Illinois.

I was alaso served a notice by the store to pay $200 and a Trepass Warning was issued.

The police officer was called in. I got a ticket from a police officer. The ticket is titled "Non Traffic Complaint and Arrest Ticket"

The ticket says "Without admitting guilt, I promise to comply with the terms of this citiation and individual bond."
I was asked to sign on the ticket saying that all charges are true. the ticket says that I need to pay $250 to the city.

There is also a Notice on the ticket which says "The court will issue a warrant for the arrest of any defendant who has failed to appear to answer an arrest ticket duly served upon him and upon which a complaint has been duly filed".

There is also a section in the ticket that says
Appearance Plea of Guilty and Waiver
I, the undersigned, do hereby enter my appearance on the complaint of this offense, charged on the ticket. I have been informed of my right to a trial, that my signature to this plea of guilty will have the same force and effect as a judgement of court.

I do hereby PLEAD GUILTY to said offense as charged, WAIVE my right to a HEARING by the court, and agree to pay the penalty prescribed for my offense."

My questions are:
What should I do?
Is this a misdemeanor?
I am ready to pay $250. If I send the amount, will my case be closed?
If this ticket ever go on my record?
If somebody does a background check, will this ticket show up?

Please advise.

[PandorasBox]

Warning: I am not a lawyer, just a volunteer here.

Does the ticket say something like "Report to court by/on X date?".

If so...I would go to court, plea not guilty, and ask for a Public Defender (if you cannot afford a lawyer). Even then...at this point, I would go get a consultation with a Criminal Defense Lawyer in your area.

To answer questions....
Yes, it is a Misdemeanor.
Yes, it will show up on Criminal Background Checks.
Yes, you will have a Criminal Record.
It will affect your job searches.

See....a lawyer may be able to get you a plea deal to a lesser charge....like Disorderly Person.

Don't forget...pay the store's Civil Demand. And stay out the store, and all it's locations/affiliates.