Posted on August 1, 2025

A shoplifting arrest can feel overwhelming. You may wonder if it will follow you forever. In North Carolina, a shoplifting arrest can indeed stay on your public record permanently—unless you take legal steps to remove it. Even if the charges were dropped, your arrest may still appear on background checks for jobs, housing, or education. That’s why understanding your legal options is critical.

At Greene Wilson & Styron, we help individuals in North Carolina navigate the aftermath of a shoplifting charge. Below, our North Carolina criminal defense attorneys break down how long a shoplifting arrest remains on your record, what you can do about it, and how legal support can protect your future.

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Understanding Shoplifting Laws in North Carolina

In North Carolina, shoplifting is typically charged under general larceny laws. It involves the unlawful taking of goods from a retail store with the intent to steal without paying.

Here’s what you should know:

Misdemeanor Larceny: If the value of the goods is $1,000 or less, it’s typically a Class 1 misdemeanor (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-72).
Felony Larceny: If the value exceeds $1,000 or involves certain aggravating factors (e.g., use of tools to remove security tags), it becomes a felony.
Concealment: Even hiding merchandise without leaving the store can result in a charge under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-72.1.

North Carolina shoplifting laws are more intricate than can be conveyed in a single blog post, so talking with a criminal attorney is critical for a full understanding of the penalties you may face.

What Happens After You’re Arrested for Shoplifting

Being arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty. But an arrest alone can still leave a mark on your record.

Here’s what typically happens:

You’re taken into custody, booked, and fingerprinted.
Even if the charge is later dropped or dismissed, the arrest record is created in the criminal system.
Arrests, unlike convictions, can still show up on background checks used by employers or landlords.

That’s why taking early action matters, because what happens during and after arrest can affect your life long before any conviction.

How Long Does a Shoplifting Arrest Stay on Your Record?

In North Carolina, criminal records, including arrests, charges, and convictions, do not automatically clear over time. Unless you qualify for and successfully pursue an expunction, your arrest will stay on your record permanently.

Things that influence visibility:

Adult records are public unless expunged.
Juvenile records are more protected, but can still have consequences depending on the situation.
Employers, housing authorities, licensing boards, and universities often use background check services that show unresolved or dismissed arrests.

In other words, even if you weren’t convicted, your arrest can still hurt your future opportunities.

Can You Get a Shoplifting Arrest Expunged in North Carolina?

Yes, in many cases, you can file for an expungement under North Carolina law. North Carolina passed the Second Chance Act in 2020 (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-145.5), which expanded access to criminal record expunction.

You may qualify for expungement if:

You were found not guilty.
You were arrested but never formally charged.
You meet eligibility requirements under the Second Chance Act.

The typical expunction process includes:

Waiting for any applicable required period (for dismissed charges, this may not apply).
Filing a petition in the county where your arrest happened.
Submitting fingerprints (for certain petitions) and paying a filing fee, if required.
Attending a hearing if the court requests one.

Once granted, an expungement seals the record from public view, including background checks used by employers.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney

An experienced attorney can be your best defense from the very beginning. Whether you’re facing charges or pursuing an expungement, having legal help improves your chances of a better outcome.

Protecting Your Future Starts Now

A shoplifting arrest doesn’t have to define your future. Taking the right action early on is the best way to protect your record.

Here are a few steps you can take:

Talk to a defense attorney immediately after arrest or citation
Explore eligibility for pretrial diversion or dismissal
Learn whether you’re eligible for expungement
Keep track of all court records and filing deadlines
Avoid discussing the incident on social media

All aspect sof your future can be affected right now, from your education, employment, housing, and even parenting can be affected by a public arrest record. The good news is that in North Carolina, the law often gives people a second chance. Let us help you claim it.