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

When I was 16 or 17 I was at a party drinking, and ended up bullshitting with some kids I knew were up to no good. I ended up leaving with them and was given a stolen hand gun from one of them. I thought having a gun was cool and even though I never intended on using it for anything, when it was brought to my attention that they had stolen it, I contacted the owners (the parents of the girl who was throwing the party) and told them how I came to be in possession of the gun. I cooperated with the police and even though I understand it was my stupidity, I was hoping they would take my willingness to cooperate and return the gun without incident into consideration. I wouldn't have taken it from the kid if I knew it was stolen, from a girls parents whom I was friends with nonetheless. Well, I was charged with stealing the gun myself and that came with felony charges. My parents hired a good lawyer and all I can remember is that they said my record would be expunged. The lawyer told me that if anyone ever asked me on an application if I was ever convicted of a felony to check no. I have been doing that since and I have never had any trouble with job applications.

I am now in my mid 20s and havent been in any kind of trouble since. I was recently offered a job as a restaurant general manager. With that title, I have to apply to for a liquor permit in my name. The owner of the restaurant sent me paperwork to fill out and on it the application asks for ANY convictions or to check No if no such convictions exist. I dont want to withhold information that might show up anyway because its a state application, but I also dont want to check yes if I dont have to. I was told to keep the conviction to myself and not bring it up, just go on as if it never happened. I dont want to be in trouble for, #1 lying on a state application and #2 have my employer either find out about it or get denied the license because of me.

I have tried to research this but there are different laws for different states. Does anyone know if I should just check no? I obviously am a little worried about it since there is nothing I can find that gives me a straight forward answer for Pennsylvania.

Thanks to anyone who can help!