My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: California

5 years back, I received Deferred Adjudication in xyz state for felony. I received probation and fine. According to xyz state, Deferred Adjudication is not a conviction.

Now I have an offer from an employer who is based in California. Employment Application form has this question "Have you eve been CONVICTED in past seven years". Should I say YES or NO. Should I ask HR about this but then I have to disclose my deferred adjudication.

California labor law states that any arrest/detention which did not result in CONVICTION should not be reported. On the other hand, it also says CONVICTION shall include plea, verdict regardless of the outcome of the case. My deferred adjudication involved Guilty Plea / Nolo Contendo.