Caught Stealing - What Can I Do

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Wisconsin. Two months after I turned 18 in 2008 I was arrested for a first time retail theft under $100 dollars. I am extremely worried as to how this will affect me finding a job and have lost countless nights of sleep over this. Is there anything I can do to get this off my record such as expungement? Also I know this is a misdemeanor, but I am unsure as to what level of misdemeanor this is. My record is completely spotless except for this one incident. Any advice would be appreciated!

A misdemeanor for shoplifting can have a lot of negative affects on your life. From job hunting to even getting an apartment.

Jobwise - you will not be working around Senior Citizens, not even serving food in an Assisted Living Facility. Anything handling money. McD's give people a chance, but you will not be running the cash register.

You need to research Wisconsin's expungment laws. Every state is different. Michigan, for example, you have to wait 5 years past sentencing to apply. Wisconsin may be more lenient or harsher. Also, see if you can look up your record in your state database, it will cost a few dollars but show your record as it would appear on a background check.