Do dismissed charges count against you?

Do dismissed charges count against you?

If you can get the charges dismissed, your criminal record will remain clean and you will not have a conviction recorded against you. There are a couple of ways you may be able to avoid a criminal conviction, even if you plead guilty to charges.

Does petty theft ruin your life?

A petit theft or shoplifting charge is not likely to ruin your life. It can make some parts of your life very difficult. Any employer that conducts a background check will be put off by someone with a history of theft.

What happens in court for petty theft?

Petty theft is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or up to a $1,000.00 fine. Your first appearance will be your arraignment. summary probation, a fine, restitution to the victim, community service, and theft classes. At times, the offer will go down if you plead not guilty at the arraignment.

How bad is petty theft?

Punishment for petty theft runs the gamut, from probation to life in prison. For first time offenders, petty theft is often a misdemeanor. However, since petty theft is at least a misdemeanor, it can also be punishable by a fine and up to one year in jail.

Does petty theft show up on background checks?

Yes. Misdemeanors are a lesser crime than a felony. However, misdemeanors remain on your record permanently, meaning a misdemeanor can show up if your employer does a background check on you.

Is it hard to get a job with a petty theft charge?

If the result is a conviction, the charge stays on your record and will be noticeable in background checks. A person with petty theft on their record will have an even harder time finding a job.

Do I have to tell my employer about misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are permanent unless you can petition to have them expunged from your record. Therefore, misdemeanors will show up in background checks and, if you don’t disclose them beforehand, it may seem like you were purposely dishonest.