My question involves criminal law for the state of: Massachusetts
Age: 18
First time, clean record.
I am so scared, please help me.
It was my first time shoplifting and I'm feeling really ashamed of myself. I stole 4 items which costed $157 all together. It was a dress, cardigan, and two make-up.
Honestly, a few days ago...I was with my little sister and she told me she really liked that dress but we both didn't have the money to buy it. My mom recently got laid off so my family doesn't really have much income..and my mom gambles a lot. My sister has a school dance today (I got caught yesterday) and I thought I would...well...take it. I really wanted her to go because I've never had a chance to...but now I feel disgusting and dirty for doing it.
For the two make-up, I was really going to pay for it because I had just enough but one of the lady asked if I was going to pay for it and I got scared so i made an excuse that I was still looking around...It's my fault. I know.
When I was about to leave, the LP lady stopped me and told me to go back to the office. I didn't resist and did what she told me to. She asked me why i did it and other questions but I was so scared so all I said was "I don't know."
She took my ID and picture. Told me to never come into Macy again. She gave me some papers to sign saying that I would not come into Macy again or I will be arressted. (I'm not sure if the papers that I signed were papers that said I stole or something...I was too scared to read. I just did whatever she told me to.)
She didn't call the police and I wasn't arrested. she didn't tell me that I have to pay some civil fee that I've been reading about which is $500. Before she let me go, she said that I will be receiving a court letter in the mail and said I should go. I will...
Right now, I'm just scared...and I'm doing a whole bunch of research.
1) What will happen next?
2) Is this already on my record? If so, will it be there forever?
3) I've read it somewhere...Macy's won't be the one pressing charges on me but the police will...Is this true?
4) Since I am 18, will they contact my mom? I'm not planning to tell my mom.
I'm really paranoid and I learned my lesson. Can anyone just tell me something about what will happen to me? Please help...

