If you got caught shoplifting at a first offense took the theft class and were no convicted do you have a criminal record

To have a criminal record you need to be CONVICTED of a crime

You will have an arrest record, not a record of a conviction. The arrest record stays because arrests are based on probable cause and even if you were found not guilty, the finding of probable cause that led to your arrest remains.

Jim is correct, however, an arrest record is generally not public information. Normal background checks will not show it. Generally only other law enforcement agencies would be able to see it.