am wondering

Depends on the country. If you got fined, then it suggests that the person was convicted or pled guilty and so probably has a criminal record. Some countries have strange ideas and may sometimes not record a conviction despite a conviction occurring

Dave

 

If the offence was shoplifting and a fine was imposed, then I posit that the most likely place for that fine to have been given is at a court.

Only in some countries

Dave

 

I guess the OP has had the question come up on some travel related form (e.g. visa application etc.)

 

Shoplifting is quite different to fixed penalties for speeding. I thought that it was quite possible that the question related to eligability to enter Australia

Dave

 

If the fine was imposed by a court, then a conviction is recorded. Unless your lawyer was able to get a 'no conviction recorded' under first offences. This is because shop lifting is a criminal offence where as something like speeding is not. It does not really relate to whether you get a fine or some other penalty.
The law in Australia can differ from state to state. A quick google of shoplifting criminal offence will provide you with plenty of detail.
Criminal records were discussed in relation to the US Visa Waiver Program in this thread.
I also read that you must be advised if you are being charged.
I double checked this with a mate who has studied law..

 

Re: am wondering shoplifting criminal record and travel

Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries.
Andorra Iceland Norway
Australia Ireland Portugal
Austria Italy San Marino
Belgium Japan Singapore
Brunei Liechtenstein Slovenia
Denmark Luxembourg Spain
Finland Monaco Sweden
France the Netherlands Switzerland
Germany New Zealand United Kingdom
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The following visitors will NOT qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and MUST apply for a visa:

* Persons who have ever been arrested or convicted of any criminal offence (excepting certain fixed penalty driving offences that did not result in a conviction). Note: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply in respect of US immigration law - if you have ever been arrested or convicted of any offence, no matter how long ago it was, you must apply for a visa before travelling to the US.

* Persons who have ever overstayed in the US, been refused entry or not complied with the rules of the visa under which they were present in the US

* Persons who have certain serious communicable diseases or condition.
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The DS Criminal Investigative Division conducts criminal investigations into violations of passport and visa fraud. Passport and visa fraud is a federal offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. If the offense is connected to narcotics trafficking, the prison sentence is increased to up to 15 years, and 20 years if connected to international terrorism. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security: Investigating Passport and Visa Fraud