I got caught shoplifting in Vancouver's Winners today. The item I took was 16$ shirt and 29$ boots. I just became a Canadian citizen 1 month ago where I attended a ceremony. They took my address, name and called the police. They never came but I will be getting a letter for court order soon. I'm 21 years old. Never did this before and never ever will again. Does anyone know if there's any way to get good out of this? If I am guilty will I have a criminal record and how will it affect my life? Will it affect my career in the future? Will I be able to travel to the US? Will I be able to get a passport? Can anyone explain me in detail how this will affect my life and what is most likely to happen in that court? The security guy who wrote all that stuff down said it's most likely I'll be released with a fine and that I'll have to write some kind of letter or do community service. I will get a letter to first come to the police to get finger prints and whatnot in about a month. Can anyone help me with this?

