Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft 17 years old, got caught but wasn't charged

[hao8]

The other day I was caught stealing a pair of gloves from an outlet store. When I realized there was no way to get out of the situation I turned myself in and cooperated. I managed to convince them this was my first time doing anything like this. The guy took my personal information so he could send me a fine, but said he wasn't going to call the police because I was visiting from another town and my parents wouldn't be able to come get me. He did say this would go on my permanent record. However, having done some research, mostly everyone is saying you need to be convicted at a court (therefore, the police have to be involved) for you to get it on your permanent record. Is this true? Was the guy just lying to me?

 

[shrinkmaster]

He might be referring to the Retail Theft database that some store subscribe to. Outside of that your right there is no record outside of store if Police were not involved

 

[hao8]

Thank you! He probably did say that, I just didn't understand.