Job Hunting with an arrest record?? how it is going to effect me?

I have a been charged with a retail theft, it seems that since it's been my first offence and a miner offence there would be no Convection but a plea bargain or curt supervision which would let me expunge it after few years! I'm not so sure how an arrest is going to effect me in compare with a convection in job hunting, it might be helpful to know that I live in Illinois and I鈥檓 25 and I drive trucks for living please help me any information would be helpful

I was told that there is a program for first offenders that is ofernd onlt once and there would be No Convection but still the arrest for some time(few years)

Any flaw with your permanent record can be a problem when looking for a job. You need to make sure that your skills and qualifications ouitweigh your arrest record. If your equal to someone else in skill, they'll take the person with a clean slate...

all i say is good luck...

The operative word is "Convicted"....job applications ask if you have ever been "Convicted" of a felony. You don't seem to think there will be a conviction in your case...and is it a misdemeanor or a felony? Misdemeanors aren't even counted. Since you already have a job, I wouldn't worry. Good Luck!

/ Okay, here's the way I see it...

You were arrested for retail theft, but haven't gone to court yet (hence, no conviction). Right?

If you go to court, and are found guilty of retail theft, then you will be convicted and therefore, have a record - which will most likely not be expunged since you are over 18.

You are correct that since it is your first offense, and a minor one (I assume you mean 'petty larceny'), then you won't go to jail, but may have to pay a fine or do some community service.

While job hunting, you may find a question such as, "Have you ever been arrested and convicted of a crime?" If so, your answer must be 'Yes', but you can write an explanation.

If you lie on an employment application, and are hired, you could be fired at anytime (even several years down the road).

You probably won't be able to get a job at a retail store, because they have a mutual association which shares such records with each store.

When you go before the Judge, tell him your concerns. He may dismiss the charges as long as you agree to certain terms.