First Time Shoplifting Arrest and Getting a New Job

My question involves a background check in the State of: PA


HEY EVERYONE...

IN JUNE OF 2010 I WAS ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING AT KOHLS(THE AMOUNT WAS FOR $225). IT WAS THE 1ST TIME I HAD EVER BEEN IN ANY SORT OF TROUBLE IN MY LIFE, & I AM 25 YEARS OLD. I WAS GIVEN ARD (COURT FINES AND 1 YR PROBATION) & THEY SAID AS LONG AS I STAY OUT OF TROUBLE, IT WILL BE TAKEN OFF OF MY RECORD IN A YEAR.

I AM STARTING TO GO ON INTERVIEWS FOR JOBS BUT I AM VERY SCARED THAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIND AN EMPLOYER THAT WILL HIRE ME GIVEN MY SITUATION, EVEN THOUGH I'M OVER QUALIFIED FOR THE JOBS. I'M NOT REALLY SURE HOW THIS WILL READ ON A BACKGROUND CHECK & IF IT WILL EFFECT MY GETTING HIRED. THE JOBS I AM APPLYING FOR ARE NOT IN RETAIL SALES(MOST ARE IN CALL CENTERS). IS IT SAFE TO SAY THAT THERE IS NO WAY SOMEONE WOULD HIRE ME RIGHT NOW? OR IS IT STILL POSSIBLE THAT I COULD STILL BE HIRED GIVEN IT'S ONLY MY 1ST TIME GETTING IN TROUBLE?

IF ANYONE COULD HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS, I WOULD BE FOREVER THANKFUL. REALLY, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!!

Are you in ARD? Chances are it's not going to show up for most background checks, but you should specifically file for expungement after you're off probation.

well i never had to take any classes for ARD, i just had to pay a hefty fine(not sure if that makes a difference or not). also, i feel so dumb asking this question, but would my situation be considered a felony? like should i put it on a job application?

thanks so much for your help, i really really appreciate it!!

I mean are you done with your probation?

No, it's not a felony. It's a first degree misdemeanor.
At this point if they ask if you've been convicted, you can say no.
If they ask about charges, or whether you're in a diversion etc... you probably have to say yes.