My question involves criminal law for the state of: MI
I need clarification. Because my 1st offense shoplifting charge from 2005 was dismissed there is nothing to expunge, however a criminal history check will still show the charge. Now, IF I had been CONVICTED of the charge, after 5 years I could file for expungement, thereby clearing my record of any wrong-doing.
If I am understanding this correctly, those who are actually convicted are better off than those who are dismissed because they can completely erase the event (from a surface background check..I understand that if delved into depper an arrest could still be found, but this would require more work than most employers engage in) while my dismissed charge will follow me forever and prevent me from many job opportunities. Am I misunderstanding something or is this simply unfair?
Thanks

