Petty Theft at Walmart

[nrkc99]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: WI in Milwaukee

I’m a 29 yrs. old student who was caught shoplifting at a Walmart in Milwaukee City. MPD was contacted and they issued me a Milwaukee Municipal Citation of $563, since I do not have a criminal record. I was NOT arrested. The citation was issue at my house. The ticket states the violation as "Intentionally and without consent selected retail merchandise valued at $146.
My court date is not mandatory and I have to pay a fine. My question is then, what exactly do I have on my record? If it is just a citation and I pay a fine, then I know I don't have a criminal record. I was worried because I will be applying to new jobs and Green card and the officer, who was very kind, told me not to worry, "just pay it and forget it". Is he right? How will this affect me in the future? After I pay the fine does it disappear, will this be something that will show up on background checks when I apply for new IT jobs and Immigration? What are the actions from the Walmart i have to face in near future?

[souperdave]

If you were cited you definitely have a court date, which is mandatory. Guess again on that one. By rights, this should affect your employment pursuits, and your greencard.

Amazing how much future consideration of consequences one does not take the time to contemplate before doing the nasty.

[PandorasBox]

Oh...and along with that.....

- Yes, you will be court ordered for fingerprints and mugshot.

- And the store/it's lawyers will be sending a Civil Demand notice for some serious cash also.

- Yep, your employment possibilities are limited now. You won't have anything handling cash or important information. Immigration - did you read that part about passing a Criminal Background Check? You may have screwed the pooch....

- WalMart/Sams Club - you likely signed a notice that you are banned from all their stores, worldwide....