Fired for theft from employer--charges filed

Over a period of about two years, I shoplifted a total of a little over $400 worth of merchandise from my employer (it was small items here and there, ranging in value from $1.99 to $30.00, with most items around $5.99). I was just fired, and told that charges have been filed with the police dept. Can anyone tell me if there is any way to keep from having a police record? I returned all of the stolen merchandise to my employer, but not all of it is resellable. I have definitely learned my lesson, and if there's any way to keep this from following me around for the rest of my life, I'm desperate to learn of it! Please help if you have any information.