I received court papers in the mail. When I showed up for the court date,I was confronted by a Public Defender who called my name. He asked me about the petty theft and told me to plead guilty. I was taken by surprise because I had no idea what was going on! I was never arrested nor have I been into any trouble with the law. I was forced into pleading guilty or I would be in contempt. I found a great lawyer and straightened everything out and found someone has been using my idenity!! My credit was destroyed and so was my good name. MY QUESTION IS , MY SOON TO BE NURSING TEACHER IS RUNNING A CRIMINAL BACKROUND CK ON ME TOMORROW. I'M VERY SCARED BECAUSE I PLEADED QUILTY TO THE CRIME I DID NOT COMMIT. EVEN THOUGH MY LAWYER TOOK CARE OF THIS,WILL A QUILTY PLEA SHOW UP ANYWAY?

You say that you "... found a great lawyer and straightened everything out ...". Unless the conviction was set aside, this lawyer didn't do that. Sure, the conviction, unless set aside, will show in your background check.