Why haven't my criminal record been erased yet?

i commited a really minor, not even called criminal tho. i just mistakenly somebody's personal check # to pay some fee in my gym which $75.00 the police told me that my record will be erased the next year if keep walking straight you know... today is more than one year and it seems that i won't be able to even get approved for a secured credit card :( please help !!!!!