How will two Class B misdemeanors affect my career?
Asked by CollegeGrad
I'm a little skeptical about this whole question/answer thing, but I am curious to see some peoples' opinions on my situation. I currently have two (yes, two) Class B misdemeanors on my record for theft. The second one was considered petty theft, and when I say petty, I mean so petty that it's just bad luck (<$5).... I can't even believe they chose to prosecute me over that one. But anyways, these are two separate incidents about 6 months apart. The first one was somewhat legitimate but still very unfortunate for me -- basically I worked at a store and my manager said I could take home an iPod for the night to check it out and bring back the next day. Since he was my manager, I thought for sure he had the authority to do this. When I brought it back, others assumed I had stolen it and my manager said absolutely nothing to back me up... thanks! So that's the first one. The second one is I didn't notice an item in my cart as I was paying for the rest, and the gung-ho security officer apparently did notice and assumed I forgot it on purpose so I didn't have to pay for it (<$5)... They prosecuted me on both and now I have two Class B misdemeanors for theft. These incidents were 3-4 years ago now, and I am just now starting to see how they are affecting my future career. I have graduated college and am looking for a job. I was hoping to get into finance, but two misdemeanors for theft does not look good for those jobs... I am considering going back to school to do pre-med or pharmacy or something medical-related if necessary. I know that medical professions are more concerned with drug-related offenses and things of that nature, but I know my record does not look good at first glance. Basically, I'm interested to hear anyone's comments/suggestions/recommendations on my situation. What do you think I should do? What would you do in my situation? Can I become a certified physician or pharmacist (and get a job) with my record? What other options are available to me. Oh, and I have looked into the expungement process, and it does not look good for multiple offenses. The waiting periods are much longer than for single offenses.... let the good luck keep pouring in!! I appreciate anyone's comments. Word of advice -- Be ultra-cautious in everything you do!!

Best Answer:
Disclaimer: not a lawyer, nor an HR professional. Just a working bee who's been in the field for years. If I were in your position, I wouldn't panic - most job applications are interested in felony convictions, not misdemeanors. There are some companies that will ask if you've ever been arrested for anything at all, but it's a pointless question, as arrest does not imply conviction. Non-felony convictions are very minor matters. Chances are good that you were assigned probation, community service, or a fine. As such your debt to society is paid and the incidents in question are not something that are likely to come up when dealing with a future employer.

You will be fine. Most companies are looking for felonies. Plus if it does come it sounds like it was when you are younger before college. Yes, you can get a job and become a physician or pharmacist. Personally I am surprised that you are having problems with these items currently.
Answered by okstategrl_79