Ok before I start this, I want to say if you are going to say any rude comments then please don't answer. I want honest answers but I don't need anyone making me feel worse than I already do. So save it for someone else. Ok, so this is my question. The other day I got caught shoplifting. I was not arrested but I did receive a citation. I contact the number today they said to call and it will be $230 dollars. the lady said they keep the records for 5 years. She said that if the employer did a open background check it would show. I know it was under 50 dollars so it will be a misdeameer. I have never been convicted of any crimes or ever rested. so my question is what is the difference between a open backgorund check and a regular background check. she said that the employer would have to come and fill out paper work for the open background check but when I asked if they wanted to do a background check it would show. I am so confused. she didn't know much. when I go to pay the citation

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she said that I could fight it. I don't want to fight it because I know what I did was wrong. well I am bi polar and I see a therapist so I am gonna tell her about this. I think I had somewhat of a addiction.I have ben told that it is possible since I have mental illness that it may make a difference. anyways, I don't know if I need a lawyer or if this isn't that serious. please someone give me honest straightfoward answers. if you say rude things i will just delete you and report you

You were convicted of a minor misdemeanor and maybe you paid a fine. That is about a serious as your first traffic ticket = not very serious at all.

However, it will show up in a records search. You are eligible to get it expunged after 1 year. In many counties, you just fill out a form at the courthouse, and pay $50 if can. If you are poor, then it is free. It takes 6 months to 1 year for the whole process, then the record will be "sealed" or hidden.

The record is still available to law enforcement, judges, prison officials, and certain government officials that might need to know about it if you get into more trouble in the future.
Also, if an private company already has collected the information, sealing your record will not make them erase what they already have. So once the information gets out, it is out forever.

But, again, that is a very minor offense. Once the record is sealed, you do not even have to admit that it ever happened. If your future employer does find out about it, just admit it, explain it, and say it was sealed (if you get it expunged). If you stay honest, the longer you have jobs and work, the less that old misdemeanor will matter.

I don't know what state or city you are in, but you can find out what is on your own record for free. This tells you How to Do Your Own Background Check for free.


Good Luck, I don't think you have to worry.
You should start the process to get it expunged just because it is a good idea.