Caught Shoplifting in Massachusetts

I am 18 years old and I recently got caught shoplifting from a Target in Massachusetts. The total amounted to 37.99. The LPO took my ID, picture and I signed a paper admitting I had done the crime as well as a paper stating I was not allowed back into the store. The police however were not contacted. Throughout the entire process i cooperated thoroughly and made no rude or derogatory remarks to either LPO's. The LPO said i was going to be getting a paper in the mail for a show-cause hearing and that i am definitely headed to court, and if I do not respond to this letter there will be a warrant out for my arrest. I have a slew of questions:
1. Am I actually going to a show-cause hearing or was he just trying to scare me? I have heard of people getting caught and getting a fine sent to them in the mail and after paying it was all dropped like cold turkey, why is this different?
2. Although this is my first offense for shoplifting I am on unsupervised probation until March 15th, 2014 when my record will get wiped clean for an accident I was involved in back in December of 2013. If I do go to court will this cause complications for me?
I know this was all stupid and I loose sleep each night in regret. I wish to just pay the fine and have it be done-no court involvement. Any and all suggestions/ advice is greatly appreciated and I thank you all.

1.) You'll have to ask the LPO - we are not inside his head to know what action he and the store are planning to take.

2.) Probably.

I will say this. If the store prosecuted more stupid teenagers like you maybe fewer of you would think it was okay to steal.

And this - the time to worry about court involvement is before you commit a crime - not after. It's no longer within your control.

It sounds like when you go to court they will decided weather or not to charge you with a crime. Having a prior issue might make them more likely to pursue criminal charges. I would call a few lawyers,it might be expensive but avoid a criminal record is worth it.


http://www.lawqa.com/qa/will-i-have-...ifting-offense