A friend of mine was in a similar situation, no in CA though.
Chances are for $44.49 and first offence you will not do jail time which qualifies you as a gross misdemeanor for petty theft. Good thing your amount wasn't over the 200-400 dollar level which would qualify as a felony.
When you...
I dont know the laws in NY, but looking at the laws in Washington may be enlightening see "Misdemeanor expunge" thread.
If the case was dismissed it is regarded on the record on your record as a "disposition adverse to you."
**CORRECTION Jan. 26 **
A disposition adverse to you is...
Expungement Sealing
Generally if you want a clean record you want expungement.
I am not a lawyer but I have studied the laws concerning this. If you "seal the record" your criminal record will show some vague info such as the case # and specify that the case has been sealed; which is not...