[aqua37]

I got caught shoplifting at winners today.
It was about $15 worth item.
The security took me to the room at the back and asked for drivers license.
She said I will be receiving a letter for paying penalty from the company and also she gave me a trespassing notice and "our intention to proceed with legal action" paper that I had to sign.
It was my first time stealing and caught.

The police came in and gave me green ticket with court date and date to come in to the police station for fingerprints.
The police said that if I show up on my first appearance, most likely I just pay the fine without records.

I am planning to go to the court on the court date that police gave me to minimize any troubles.

My questions are
1) what happen when I appear on the court?
2) how much is the fine? Or what are the other possible punishments?
3) Is any of these going to be on my criminal record?

Im really worried about the criminal record.
Im 20 and Ive never any police involved situations like this.

What should I do to avoid criminal record??

[aqua37]

Also I'm a landed immigrant and my family is planning on applying for citizenship in few months... Im very worried if background check or criminal records will show that I was arrested for shoplifting.. Please help! I heard if I qualify for diversion, there will be no record... But is background check still going to show about arresting?