Shoplifting at Kohl's in Virginia

[ineedhelp1]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
Today, I was caught as a shoplifter at a Kohl's Department store in Virginia. I am so shameful about that. I didn't know why I did that. I stole a sunglasses in the fitting room which is $25. After I got out of the room, a man followed me and asked me about the thing I stole because he got the security paper (I don't know what it's called. It's a small paper which is stick to the item) which was teared off and thrown on the floor of the fitting room by me. He asked me to fill all information. He took my picture. He asked me my ID but I didn't have it. I don't have the Virginia ID because I'm an international student. I did'n bring my passport either. Therefore, I gave him my student ID. He scanned it. He said that I'll receive a letter which will be mailed to my home address within 4 weeks. I'll have to pay for the charge and I won't be allowed to go to any Kohl's Department Store for 1 year.
I'm so afraid now. This is my first time to do this so I don't know how to do and what they will do to me. Will they send me back to my country? Will they contact my school and tell them about that? I asked that man but he said no. He said that he needed my student ID because he didn't know who I am and I didn't have any ID either. How much do I have to pay for the charge? Will I have to go to the court? Will they come to my house to make sure if my information is right, and tell my relatives about that? I'm an international student so I don't know what to do if I have to go to the court. I'm afraid that they will come to my house because I don't have any relatives here. I rent a room. If they really come to my house and tell the host about that, I'll get in trouble and be kicked out of the house. What should I do? I'm really afraid and confused now. If I have to go to the court, what will I have to do there? Will I be put in jail?
My US visa is expired. This summer, I have to go back to my country, go to the US Embassy to take an interview in order to get a new visa. Will this bad thing be sent to the US Embassy? Seriously, I don't know what to do now. Those are my questions. Please help me and give me the clear answers.
Finally, I feel so embarrass about that. I swear that I will never go it again in my life.
Please give me a response as soon as possible. Thank you very much for your help.

[LawResearcherMissy]

You'll be sent a civil demand letter. Pay the amount demanded (they vary, you'll just have to wait until the letter shows up to know what you owe), and that should be the end of it.

No, they won't tell your host family, nor will they contact your school, nor will they contact immigration authorities.

Provided you pay timely. If you do not pay the civil demand, it is entirely likely that you will face criminal prosecution, and will thus have a criminal record. THAT could cause you problems.

Pay the civil demand the instant that it arrives, and stop shoplifting.

[ineedhelp1]

Thank you very much for your reply.
I have read a lot of cases of shoplifting in this forum. Most of people got a court date. How about my case? In my case, there was no police involved on that day. Only me and a security man.
What else will I get on the letter, except the charge? Will it be on my record?

[AllisonDanby]

if you haven't been taken to the police station then you have no record.

It is unlikely that charges will be brought against you as for this kind offense police usually only get involved on the scene.

However, the store does have 1 year to press charges. So you won't be in the clear until that 1 year passes, and your chances of being charged decreases day by day.


On a side note, if by small chance you DO have a criminal record for this, don't expect your visa to be renewed.