Theft is among the most common criminal offences. If you are convicted of theft under $5000 then the waiting period to get a pardon or record suspension is five years from the end of your punishment. If you are convicted of a theft over $5000 then the waiting period to get a pardon or record suspension is ten years from the end of your punishment. Sometimes the punishment includes a fine so make sure you pay the fine as soon as possible. If the fine for the theft offence is not paid then you will not be granted a pardon.
If you are charged with theft but the charge is later dismissed, withdrawn, stayed or discharged, then you will need to get a file destruction to remove the fingerprints from the system so that your name will not show up on a criminal background check.
If you have a conviction for theft, then it is difficult to obtain employment or travel to the US as you will get denied entry at the border. Once a pardon or record suspension is granted you will be safe for work and traveling.
Below is a recent thank you letter from a person we helped to obtain a record suspension for a theft over $5000 conviction over ten years ago. You can see the incredible relief both emotionally and psychologically once the pardon was granted and the person no longer has a criminal record:
