I guess these questions are also interesting to other peoples here.
1. If got criminal record, will it be expunged after a while? if yes, how long?
2. For an immigrant or applicant, can you say "I don't have a criminal record" after record expunged when he apply a visa or green card?
3. How long usually to get a ticket or court notice after caught for shoplifting?
4. Who make to decision to charge you or not? the store?
5. How long usually go to court after caught?
PaulE, would you like to answer these questions?
I also suggest PaulE and other experts here to write an article by listing some typical procedures for a whole shoplifting case, which may be able to answer most questions without answering everyone's quesiton.

