How long do theft charges stay on your record?

Asked by: Helga Schmidt | Last update: June 14, 2026

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Theft charges usually stay on your criminal record indefinitely, but many states offer expungement or sealing after a waiting period (often 1-7 years post-probation/case closure) for eligible misdemeanors, which can remove or hide them from public view, while some serious felonies may never be expunged. Eligibility depends on state laws, the crime's severity, your conduct since, and whether the case was dismissed or resulted in a conviction.

Will a theft charge show up on a background check?

In California, criminal convictions will always appear on a criminal record background check.

What crimes cannot be expunged in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, you generally cannot expunge serious violent felonies (like murder, rape, kidnapping), Class Y felonies, sex offenses involving a minor, or crimes requiring lifetime sex offender registration, along with offenses involving firearms or serious bodily injury. Other disqualifiers include having multiple felony convictions or not completing all sentence conditions (fines, probation).

What is the charge for theft in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, theft charges are classified by the value of the property, ranging from a misdemeanor for items under $1,000 to a Class B Felony for property valued at $25,000 or more, with penalties increasing with the value, including potential jail time and significant fines, though factors like the item's nature (e.g., firearm, anhydrous ammonia) or method of theft can also escalate charges.

How much is it to expunge your record in Kansas?

Expunging a record in Kansas generally costs a $195 court filing fee per case, though some cities like Wichita have lower fees ($90) and others, like Hays, might charge around $100; you also need to pay any outstanding fines and costs, and there are additional expenses for attorney fees if you hire one, with the process taking months and varying by county.

How Long Will This Shoplifting Stay on My Record? | Law Office of John Guidry

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What crimes are not eligible for expungement?

Crimes that generally cannot be expunged include serious violent offenses (murder, rape, assault), sex offenses (especially against minors, requiring registration), human trafficking, terrorism, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, and certain federal crimes, though specific exclusions vary significantly by state and often involve felonies or crimes involving serious bodily harm or vulnerable victims.

Is expunging your record worth it?

Yes, for most eligible individuals, expungement is generally considered worth the effort as it removes barriers to employment, housing, education, and financial stability, offering a fresh start and reduced stigma, though it has limitations and eligibility depends on state laws and crime type. The benefits of greater opportunity and peace of mind often outweigh the costs and time involved in the process, but it doesn't erase records from all government databases or guarantee clearance for certain high-level professions.

What is the lowest charge of theft?

The lowest theft charge is typically petty theft (or petit theft), a misdemeanor for stealing low-value items, with penalties varying by state but usually involving small fines or brief jail time, though some places may have an even lower charge like an infraction for very small amounts. The dollar threshold for what constitutes petty theft versus grand (felony) theft differs, with some states having felony thresholds as low as $200-$950, while petty theft is often under $1,000, depending on the state.

What happens if you get caught for theft?

Ultimately, a person caught shoplifting may be arrested and put on trial. A shoplifting conviction will result in a criminal record and a sentence. A police caution may be given as an alternative to prosecution. If accepted, this caution still comes with a criminal record.

How many years in jail do you get for GTA?

For Grand Theft Auto (GTA) in real life, penalties vary from up to one year in county jail for a misdemeanor to 16 months to three years in state prison for a felony, often with fines and enhancements for high-value cars; however, the game Grand Theft Auto is fictional, and players are never actually jailed, just sent to the in-game hospital or police station.

How long do I have to wait to get my record expunged in Arkansas?

Before you can ask to have your records sealed, you must complete all the terms and conditions of your probation and pay any fines or costs that were part of your sentence. After you have finished your sentence, you have to wait 5 years to seal your record for: negligent homicide (if it was a Class A misdemeanor)

Do misdemeanors go away after 10 years?

Criminal Records in California

They don't automatically disappear or get sealed over time. Even minor misdemeanors, like shoplifting, can show up on background checks indefinitely. Some misdemeanor convictions can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as firearm ownership.

Is it better to seal or expunge your record?

It's better to get your record expunged if you're eligible, as it erases the record, making it like it never happened, but sealing is often more accessible, hiding it from the public but allowing law enforcement and some agencies access, so the "better" option depends on your specific offense, state laws, and desired level of privacy. Expungement offers a "clean slate," while sealing provides confidentiality for certain background checks.

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks are typically for high-security government roles (like Top Secret clearance), involving deep dives into finances, criminal history, personal references, and lifestyle, often requiring interviews with associates; these are far more stringent than standard employment checks and focus on trustworthiness for sensitive information access, extending to personal habits, foreign contacts, and potential vulnerabilities.

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

A criminal record for theft can be a significant obstacle when seeking work. This is especially true in positions that require trust, responsibility, or handling money. At Harrell & Paulson, we've met with clients who don't realize just how much a single theft charge can haunt them for years.

How to get a theft case dismissed?

While getting a case dismissed isn't guaranteed, there are five easy ways to fight for dismissal in San Jose, CA.

File A Pretrial Motion To Suppress. ...
Participate In A Pretrial Diversion Program. ...
Collect Exculpatory Evidence. ...
Argue That There Is Insufficient Evidence. ...
Challenge Scientific Evidence.

How much money is considered a theft?

If the value of what was taken is $950 or less, the crime is typically petty theft. If it exceeds $950, it becomes grand theft under Penal Code § 487. But value is not the only factor. California law recognizes specific situations where theft automatically rises to a felony, regardless of the dollar amount involved.

Do police take theft seriously?

In California, theft crimes carry serious consequences. Even misdemeanor theft can result in a minimum sentence of six months' incarceration.

How long does a shoplifting charge stay on record?

You may wonder if it will follow you forever. In North Carolina, a shoplifting arrest can indeed stay on your public record permanently—unless you take legal steps to remove it. Even if the charges were dropped, your arrest may still appear on background checks for jobs, housing, or education.

What's the difference between theft and stealing?

"Theft" is the broad legal term for taking someone's property without permission, while "stealing" is the common word for the act; legally, theft encompasses many crimes like fraud, embezzlement, burglary, and robbery, which are specific types of stealing defined by circumstances, with the key legal differences often being intent, method (force, deception), and value of goods. All stealing is a form of theft, but not all theft involves simple physical taking, making "theft" the overarching legal category for various unlawful takings.

Is petty theft a big deal?

In California, this threshold is usually $950. Petty theft is often charged as a misdemeanor, especially if the person has no prior criminal history. However, even a petty theft charge can carry serious consequences like a criminal record, fines, or time in county jail. It may also make it harder to find work later.

Will I go to jail for first-time shoplifting?

A: For first-time shoplifting of $40 in California, jail time is very unlikely. In California, shoplifting merchandise worth less than $950 is typically charged as petty theft under Proposition 47, which is a misdemeanor that rarely results in incarceration for first offenses, especially with such a low dollar amount.

Can the FBI see my expunged record?

A Level 2 FBI Background Check

A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.

What criminal records can not be expunged?

Several types of offenses are automatically excluded from expungement eligibility in California:

Serious Sex Crimes Involving Minors. ...
Felonies That Resulted in Prison Time (Not Jail) ...
Crimes Related to Public Corruption. ...
Crimes Not Eligible Due to a Violation of Probation or Parole.

How can a criminal record affect my future?

A criminal history can affect a person interested in going to college, attending trade school, or starting their own business. Not only can schools deny a person because of their criminal history, but certain drug or sexual convictions also prohibit you from receiving grants or student loans.