I was recently given a fixed penalty notice for shoplifting and was wondering if this would affect me getting a j1 visa. I was told that when I got the fine that it does not count as part of my criminal record and will only show up on enhanced crb checks if the police feel it is necessary to disclose the fine. Just to clarify I was never arrested, no fingerprints were taken, I was simply just taken to the police station and given a fine in the reception area.