Will a conviction for petty theft go on my record?

Petty theft is a low-level offense, and first-time offenders particularly may be eligible for "diversion" or first-offender programs. Typically, defendants plead guilty and then participate in court-supervised education and counseling programs. Often a fine and community service are also involved.

Learn more about diversion and first-offender programs by checking out Diversion and First Offender Alternatives.

Even if you enter a straight guilty plea or are convicted after trial, you may be able to have the record of your conviction sealed, or expunged, which means that in most situations, you may answer "No" when asked if you've been convicted of a crime. States have widely varying rules as to who can have their record sealed, and under what circumstances.

 Learn about sealing an adult criminal record here: Expunging or Sealing an Adult Criminal Record.