Thanks for your reply.
I did actually read through the thread several times before posting, including all your other replies about theft convictions.
What I'm still none the wiser about is how this will affect my chances of entering the USA either as a visitor or, potentially, to work...
25 years ago, in my early 20s, I was convicted of theft (shoplifting) in an English magistrates court. It was the only time I have ever broken the law and I bitterly regret the whole incident.
I was fined £30 (about $55).
I don't know if the records still exist.
Do I need to declare it...