This is really humiliating, and I can't even look at myself, but I will not ever do something like this again. I was caught with $50 worth of merchandise in a grocery store, I had to sign a confession and was told I would receive a summons in the mail that would have a fine I would have to pay. I've never had any legal trouble... will I need to appear in court with this summons? What is the maximum fine I could be faced with? I've been laid off for 7 months and this stupid act is really going to make things worse. Will I have a tarnished background check for future employment? Can anyone give me some advice/answers?

In what state?

New York State