I was recently caught shoplifting at Zellers. They told me since I am only 16, I would be given a warning. I was taken into the office, and they called my mom and asked for her permission to release me. She said yes, and that I could bus home. They asked for my drivers license, quizzed me on the information to make sure it was really my id, and took down all my information. I was respectful, and thanked them for not taking legal action. During the phone call the officer told my mom I was banned from the Bay, Zellers, and Home Outfitters until I turned 18 unless accompanied by her. He also told her she would receive a bill for the items taken, which would only be a couple items (I took probably $30 worth of merchandise). I was given a letter to take home to her that states that the company intends to seek full compensation for damages, including cost of items taken, cost of investigators time, cost of adverse effects on customers, and any other charges deemed appropriate. What exactly does this mean? It says nothing about a civil demand, which according to some can have you paying thousands of dollars. The police were not contacted and they said I would not have a record so I'm not worried about that, just the fine. Any idea how much I can expect? Would this affect me getting a job in retail in the future? Not at the Bay obviously, but an unrelated store?