Maximum penalty for retail theft in Wisconsin - law and immigration expert, please help!!?

I need to know the maximum penalty for retail theft in the state of Wisconsin, i was charged with retail theft (switching a price tag, the difference was $20), the LP said that it won't be on my record, but the police was called and i got a citation of retail theft. Later i called the police station, they said it's going to be on my record permanently! Is it going to affect me? I'm in the process of applying for adjustment of status, i'm really worried!!!

Not trying to be rude, but why would you risk your status for 20.00?

The citation itself will go on your permanent record, but typically retail establishments do not pursue "retail theft", and so it is only a citation.

That I know from working many years of retail.

It will depend on if the retailer that you stole from does choose to pursue criminal charges against you for what you did. If they choose to go to court, then it could impact you very negatively. So that you will have to find out from the retailer.

Best thing to do - talk to a lawyer. They will be able to help you as well as inform you on what can/will happen.

I guess the real question here is: Was that $20 really worth your status? I hope so, for all the trouble you are in. . .

hate to say it but if you are from another country and come to our country and get caught stealing then you should be deported.why come here and ask for forgiveness for being a criminal.you should be punished to the full extent of the law.

In your case 9 months in jail and a $10,0000 fine.

Retail Theft / Shoplifting is a serious crime in Wisconsin. It can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the item allegedly stolen. To find you guilty of retail theft, the prosecutor must prove that:

A person intentionally alters indicia of price or value, takes or carries away, transfers, conceals, retains possession of, removes a theft detection device, or uses or possesses with intent to use a theft detection shielding device concerning merchandise held for resale by a merchant or property of a merchant
Without the merchant's consent
With the intent to deprive the merchant permanently of it's possession.
Wisconsin Shoplifting / Retail Theft Penalties
Value of Property Maximum Penalty
Less than $2,500 9 months in jail and a $10,0000 fine (Misdemeanor)
From $2,500 to $5,000 3 years and 6 months in prison and a $10,000 fine (Felony)
From $5,000 to $10,000 6 years in prison and a fine of $10,000
Greater than $10,000 10 years prison and a $25,000 fine