First Offenders Act-Please help asap-may loose job Criminal Records, Expungement

I plead guilty to a shoplifting charge under 1st offenders. It was to my understanding that once the probation was over all fines were paid, I could have my record expunged. My probation office told me back in 2001 that the record was expunged and there should be no record of this offense.

Now, the record has come up again and my employer is asking questions. I have until Friday, September 22nd to provide documentation to my employer. I called the superior court and she indicated that "expunged" doesn't mean that your record is removed.

I'm confused. If that is the case, what is the benefit of 1st offenders.

What does this ACT mean? (brief explanation) Is there any way to get this removed from my record? Can I be denied employment because of this?

Please respond to tamika_moore@amvescap.com