Hello,
About 3 years ago I was caught stealing approximately $3.00 worth of merchandise in California. I received a "Notice To Appear" for a Petty Theft Misdemeanor, though I was not convicted of a Misdemeanor. It was reduced to an Infraction after I plead No Contest.
Am I correct to say that the Notice to Appear issued by the police officer is equivalent to an Arrest?
I'm applying to several government jobs and, while I was never convicted, I'm pretty sure the incident will show up as a Previous Arrest or a Charge on my OPM Background Investigation, almost certainly preventing me from becoming an employee.
Is it possible to get a previous arrest expunged? Or is this only for those convicted (Misdemeanor, Felony, etc)?
Wouldn't an OPM/FBI Background Investigation show something that was expunged anyways? Would it look worse that I tried to hide it?
Is there basically no hope for me achieving any government or national security employment?
Thank you so much!
P.S. I posted this in the wrong forum previously.

