My question involves criminal law for the state of: Massachusetts
I am 19 years old and was caught shoplifting $160 of merchandise from Target. They took my license and made a copy and called the police but I was not arrested. The manager at Target said I would be billed a fine for the merchandise and for his time, and the police officer said he was going to send me a court summons. What should I expect from the court summons? How much money will I have to pay in fees and what will my penalty from the court most likely be? Will this be on my recored forever or will I be able to have it expunged? What should I say in court? Also, I would like to keep this from my parents, is that possible? ANY advice at all will be extremely appreciated, from what to say in court, how to handle this situation, and what the outcome will most likely be. THANK YOU!

