if arrested & then the case is dismissed, exactly what shows up in a criminial background check? does an arrest show up or only a conviction? if convicted of a disorderly persons offence, will that show up? i have consulted several lawyers & got conflicting advice. some say a disorderly person's offence is not a criminal conviction & will not show up, while another said it will show up in a check. Please advice.
Also, i am facing the disorderly persons offence charge in court in 2 weeks. Should i hire an attorney or can i go in & talk to the judge myself? i never even left the store with the goods, so maybe the case will get dismissed. I understand an attorney can maybe better argue the case, but they are so expensive!

