Shoplifting at Walmart

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina

My boyfriend and his friend were caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart, really all I'm concerned about his my boyfriend. He is 20 years old, first time offender. They were caught as they were leaving the store, police were called and they were taken in to the station. (fingerprinting, court date, the whole nine yards.) Luckily the judge only told them they were stupid and should never do this as a career because they "suck at stealing" and didn't make me pay bail to pick the two up.

Now, what I'm wondering is what you think will happen. I'm not exactly sure how much was the merchandise, but it couldn't have been more than $30 dollars worth. This was his first time shoplifting and, frankly, it will be his last now that this has happened.

My friend and I were also caught shoplifting at Walmart, I stole $10 and my friend stole $28. She received a ticket but I did not. A month later we were sent a letter from Bennett Law saying each of us had to pay $225 to settle a civil law suit. I'm not sure about other stores, but I'm almost positive this letter is sent to every shoplifter.

The odd thing about this is that they were apparently arrested for Concealment, and not what I thought they were charged. Would that change the situation?

Here's the North Carolina statute regarding concealment:

§ 14-72.1. Concealment of merchandise in mercantile
establishments.

(a)Whoever, without authority, willfully conceals the goods or merchandise of any store, not theretofore purchased by such person, while still upon the premises of such store, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished as provided in subsection (e). Such goods or merchandise found concealed upon or about the person and which have not theretofore been purchased by such person shall be prima facie evidence of a willful concealment.