Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Confused

[britfo]

I was recently caught shoplifting, first time, and I was taken to the back of the store and had to sign some stuff saying i will pay the store back. A cop was called, i was not arrested, the cop gave me a citation which states i do not need to go to court and he has juvenile circled even though im 19. I am a pre-pharmacy student and i am worried this will show on my records. The cop and another man said it shouldnt be considered a criminal act if i dont have to appear at court, but i have been reading other statements online saying that it is and that its bad not to go to court. I have always been the person to yell at my friends about stealing and i would even pay for their things so they dont steal. It was a huge mistake that i dont want to effect me for the rest of my life. Any advice would be appreciated thank you

 

[jacksgal]

I think the juvenile part is mistake and once its found out your an adult you will need to go to adult court. You need to find an Attorney to help you dealwith this. A conviction will likely ruin your career. You can also go to forum site linked in my signature line it just for issues like yours