When Does Retail Fraud Go On Your Publc Record

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

I've been caught stealing a pair of pants at a JC Penny's, and they had me fill out a sheet and give my information. The woman says nothing will happen until months from now, and I haven't received anything in the mail by them. I didn't visit a police station or anything like that either. Is that crime currently on my public record?

How would I be able to get rid of this crime? Do I actually have to obtain an attorney and plead not guilty just to avoid it going on my record?

This is likely to remain in house and you won't have a criminal record unless you one day get arrested and charged with a crime. Then you'll need a criminal attorney.

Meantime, it's likely that only the store chain will have a record of you and ban you from the store.

In the future, try to refrain from that kind of ultimate STUPIDITY.

I'm sorry, but I have to say this. The time to worry about having a criminal record is BEFORE you commit a crime.

Public record may not be involved at this point, but it's quite possible JCP reported you to the NRTD which will make further retail employment for the next seven years iffy.