Will this get in the way of getting a job?

Ok, I know this is probably a thing where it's common sense as you will think the answer is obvious: of course you won't get a job, but I want to make sure!
ok, I was caught shoplifting (I feel remorse, it was my first time, and there was peer pressure) and I learned my lesson. It was charged as petty theft, I'm almost positive. It was around 50 dollars (I believe the maximum is 150 dollars).I did NOT go to court over it. I'll be turning 14 tomarrow. Should I even try to get a work permit? If so, I will try to get a lousy job at McDonalds. I am ok with that! I will be going to a top rated high school, and on my first year I will be attending honors classes. I have also done community service, not because of the shoplifting, but because I seriously like helping people. I need money to prepare for college, because I am going to be studying to be a doctor. I am a hard worker and have above a 3.5 gpa.

will the theft make it impossible for me to get a job?

oh, and I did not get to keep the merchandise stolen, if that helps any

No, it won't get in the way of landing a job. On job applications, there is commonly this question:
"Do you have any felony convictions? If so, please describe the nature of your conviction." Or something very similar to that. I have never seen or heard of a job application that asks about misdemeanor offenses. In other words, if you don't bring it up - no one has to know. Also, since you are a juvenile, it is likely that this offense will be expunged from your record in a matter of time.
Best wishes and don't worry about it - you sound like a smart, responsible teenager who just made a mistake and learned from it. It sounds like your future is very bright if you stay on the path you've described.

I think you will probably be okay because of your age.

However, if asked never try to hide it. To do so and have it found out later is worse still.

If you keep out of trouble in the future it may be possible to have this incident expunged from your record. Drop an email to your state's attorney general and ask if that is possible and how to get it done.

Many professional organizations require members to have clean records so you should definately so what you can do about this.

Well, a misdemeanor petty theft charge? LOL, I doubt it.

I would suggest you talk to one of your school counselors, and ask them about this. If they do not know, then I would suggest you ask your school Principal.

But, I seriously doubt that it is going to make a difference.

After you turn 18, your juvi record should be sealed. It may not show up on a routine check. My company always looks for felonies. Good luck, and keep your nose clean.

I am really not sure how it will affect you. You might be able to convince an employer that you know it was stupid and you won't ever do it again. It really depends on the employer. Good luck. I am glad you learned your lesson.

You will have no problem...millions and millions of kids do stupid things and you seem to have learned your lesson...don't mention it, don't think about it and get on with life

You are worrying way too much. I am sure every other person at McDonald's has a criminal history. As long as you are honest on the application. You are a young teenager and thats what they do.

strong possibility that it will never come up for any routine job,
try not to screw up again

While it has been a while since I filled out a job application, I believe they only ask if you have been convicted of any FELONIES. Besides that, it may be that because of your age and/or if this offense was a misdemeanor or an infraction, it may not even appear on your record.

Since you didn't go to court, I would guess that you appeared before maybe a municipal judge. Call there and ask about how this appears (or does not appear) on your record. You may have to write or stop by to prove your identity.

If it does appear on your record, don't let it stop you from applying for a work permit and looking for any kind of job. Remember too that those "lousy McDonald's jobs" have helped people get through college, put food on their tables, clothes on their backs, gas in their cars, yada, yada, yada.

So go for it! I would not lie if I were asked but no one says this information needs to be volunteered either. We all make mistakes in our lives. Learn and move on. Good luck to you!