I simply didn’t want my car impounded while I was cuffed and put in the back of a police car.

These were my undergrad years and I was in a different state studying (loosely defined). And there’s always a permanent record (short of expungement).

“The background check for the job shows you were arrested; can you please explain?...”

Honestly I don’t know how long stuff like that sticks around. And I’m also glad I never had to find out. It can be a funny story with a framed letter saying there’s no longer a warrant for my arrest. No Rick Perry mugshot pic circulating Facebook...