Yes, it is a public record. When a person is arrested, he/she gets a criminal record. At a minimum, there is a record of an arrest. Following a conviction, the record will include an arrest and a conviction. Prospective employers, insurance companies, landlords, adoption agencies, and prospective creditors can access these public records.
To expunge a criminal record means to go through a court process. A misdemeanor can be cleared from your record with an expungement, however, you need to speak with a criminal attorney that also does immigration law as there could be immigration consequences depending on your status. An expungement will result in a court order signed by a judge stating that the offense “…shall be deemed not to have occurred.” Persons doing a background check through State Police department or through the FBI will receive a response that there is “no record.”