Yes, most states will not even approve a name change if the motive is to hide past criminal, bad credit, etc. history. Even when they do allow it, they make it a part of public record to connect the two.
You may remember that Ron Artest was turned down the first time he asked to change his name to Metta World Peace (I suggested Slugga Pistons Fan might be more appropriate) since he still had some traffic charges pending.

