I was recently caught shoplifting. The store said they would "privately press charges" and that I would get things in the mail. What exactly does privately pressing charges means - and what should I expect? What are the chances that they will go through will the charges? There was a police officer present.

What should I expect in court? I assume this will be on my record - what possibilities of getting it removed are there? Is there a way to prevent this from being on my record in the first place?

I also just got a job and have passed my background check as this happened after the check - will the job still find out, and will it affect me now?

This was in Pennsylvania, and I am in my early 20's for further information. The value of the goods was around $20.

Usually "privately press charges" means that the store will look to you to pay restitution or else they will take this to Court.

The fact that the Police were called leads me to believe there might have been a ticket/citation issued.

Did you get any paperwork?

Judy, thanks for the fast reply.

I was banned for two years from the store and signed paperwork agreeing to that and got a copy. Other than that I did not get any paperwork.

I tried to run, which in hindsight was a horrible decision (the entire instance also) and I'm afraid that has hurt me more.

No ticket, no citation? I would sit tight, do nothing and figure the store is going to send you a bill for their inconvenience.

If you are arrested then it will show up on any future background checks.

I honestly don't think anything is going to happen other than a bill/invoice from the store.

Forgot to include a few other details:

The police officer simply took some of my details down, ran a check to see if I had a record (I have none), and to confirm my address on the phone with someone.

Thanks again for the fast reply. I really hope you're correct, as I'm most concerned about keeping a clean record and am fine with paying a fee.

It is very possible that they will merely ask you to pay for damages.

At this point just a waiting game.