Hi! I was caught by security personnel for shoplifting about a month ago in Chicago, Illinois. The amount of goods stolen was under $150. The police arrived, I was booked for retail theft (selected, concealed, and exited w/o making payments for items), and they set a hearing date for me (which will be in a week). Also, I'm 19 and this is my first offense by the way.

Also, a law firm representing the store filed a civil claim against me in connection with the incident. In their letter, they say that they may consider moving forward with a statutory civil damages claim against me, and ask that I settle this matter by paying them in the amount of $300 within 20 days of the letter (the deadline being a day before my hearing date).

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Can anyone please tell me what I might expect when I go to my hearing date? What would be the best steps and approach to take to get the most minimal punishment possible under the circumstances? Will this go on my record history, and if so, will it stay there forever? Is there any way to avoid that, like maybe take some kind of supervision or social service program to wipe it off my record?

And also, how should I deal with this settlement-offer letter? What if I just ignore them and don't make the payment, could they actually file a lawsuit in the future over this.. Or would it be better to simply pay them the amount requested and settle the matter for good (and hopefully not in vain)?

Any answers will be greatly appreciated, thanks!! : ))