Target is using a civil restitution Statute which allows them to charge an offender a civil fee for the costs of security and loss of goods. You were smart in paying this - they have an absolute right to the fee. Even if the item stolen was ten cents, they have a statutory right to that 'civil restitution' fine.Regarding criminal charges, if you did not receive a citation from the police dept yet, you will probably not be charged. You may have dodged a bullet.Most thefts are recorded on closed circuit video security cameras, and, therefore, it's hard to defend the charge of petty theft. If you weren't given a citation & were not taken to the police dept for fingerprinting & picture, then you probably aren't going to be charged. You should have signed an agreement not to go into that store, or that mall. Stay away.Most jurisdictions have up to one year to charge a misdemeanor offense, but petty theft is usually charged quickly, as security officers often change jobs.