Do I need to disclose a charge for adoption? 3 Answers as of February 22, 2012

If they ask you on a form tell the truth. If they run a record check they will see an arrest for Perry Larceny and a plea to a violation of Disorderly Conduct. They know that it means that you stole something when you were young and had a bad public defender and could not even get the ACD like any good lawyer could. You saved a few thousand dollars and got a record that could cost you a good job, an apartment, a mortgage, or hurt you in adopting a child. You got labeled a thief because you were not wise enough to get a great lawyer to fix your bad decision making. New York State does not allow expungement of a criminal record, but old convictions are not as bad as new ones. Don't lie about it or you will have even more problems.

Always answer honestly. You can go to the courthouse where the disposition was taken and get a certificate of disposition. S

Whether you have to disclose it depends on what is being asked of you. If they are asking if you have been convicted of a crime then you do not have to disclose it as a disorderly conduct is a violation and not a crime.