Accomplice to Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois

My sisters 17year old friend was detained for shoplifting and was found with stolen merchandise. They said because I was with her I am an accomplice because they said I helped her to steal the merchandise. They said that we tag-teamed the situation and that I blocked her from the camera while she put the merchandise into her purse. I didn't admit any guilt nor did I confess to anything when detained. They did not call the police and said that we could sign ourselves (I signed her out) out and that we can expect a letter in the mail in a week or two. They said if we don't receive a letter in 2 weeks then one probably will not come and that if it does we will have to pay a fine. They also divided the cost of the merchandise between the two of us for some reason and said I was liable for $22 of it.

My question is this: Since no police were called there will be no criminal charges, right? I'm nearly 22 and this would blemish my record pretty badly. What happens if the fine isn't paid? Can they sue us and take us to court or have us arrested? I intend on paying the fine but they said it could be as much as $900 and that's a bit steep for me.

Any advise?

Also I would like to say that the police weren't called, as I mentioned above, and we were not given a court date nor were we told we'd have to go to criminal court at all. Does this help things at all?

I intend on paying the fine but they said it could be as much as $900 and that's a bit steep for me. - In Illinois the Civil Demand is not less than $100. nor more that $1,000. If they have to take you to court to collect it they can add legal fees. I suspect the retailer will collect the CD from both of you.

I'm sure that they will. I have no problem paying the CD though. I'll pay it as soon as I receive the notification that I need to do so. If I pay this though the man told me that K-Mart won't pursue criminal charges -- and there was no mention of a court date, a court summons, or anything. There were no police called at all, period. What can I expect from that information?