I was arrested for Petty Theft as a misdemeanor. Will I be able to keep this off my record?

The best answer is that it depends. Some counties in California offer petty theft diversion programs which allow the defendant to attend classes and if they complete the classes successfully the District Attorney will dismiss the charges. However, many counties do not offer these programs and in those cases it will be more difficult to get the case dismissed entirely. If the dollar value of the merchandise was under $50 then many prosecutors will reduce the misdemeanor to an infraction which is not a criminal conviction. Every case is different and it is important to consult with an experienced theft lawyer who practices in the court that your case is pending in to evaluate your case properly.