A few days ago I was caught shoplifting in a Boscov's and PA. This is my first offense and my record is clean. The security officers took me to their office, asked me some general questions. The police were not called, no fingerprints or photos were taken. The woman who was asking me the questions told me that I would have to pay a civil fine, $150 plus the cost of the merch which was under 150 bucks. I am really worried from reading all of these posts on this site that I will have to go to court, hire a lawyer or do jailtime. I have also read other posts that people have paid the civil fine and were okay. I am so worried that this will be on my record. The woman told me that this would not give me a criminal record. As a fresh college graduate I am worried that this incident will prevent me from getting a new job. How will I know if this will be on my record. Should I look into hiring a lawyer? I haven't gotten anything about the fines in the mail yet but I want to be be ready for what is about to come. I wish this would just all go away this was a really stupid mistake and now I am worried that it will ruin my future. Any advice would be appreciated.

