Yesterday I was caught stealing at sears a ring worth $20. Im 21 yrs old this is the first time I've ever done anything like this, I truly don't know what I was thinking. I also have a clean record. I was stopped once I was out of the store and immidiatly gave him the ring. They took me back to a room I signed a paper saying im never aloud back in the store and that I'll have to pay $200 (civil demand). The cops weren't involed and the guy kept saying how its good I was so coporative. They only asked if it was my first time and why I did it other then that they didn't say much. He also said IF sears decides to prosecute ill get a letter stating when my court date is. Im really freaking out about it. I have every intention of paying the 200 im just scared of the whole court thing. Since the cops weren't called is there a chance that they didnt report it? Could it at all be possible that I only have to pay without going to court? If I do go to court what are the chances of getting probation or community service over going to jail? I really don't want this on my record. Reading other threads has got me scared out of my mind. I keep thinking they're going to arrest me at home or work or something I've never been in any kind of trouble like this before so any advice would be appriciated thanks.

