My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York
5 years ago when I was 18 I was arrested for stealing about $50 from a store. It was the first and only time this ever happened. I don't remember much about the time, but I was given a CD program that I had to listen to and answer questions for about not shoplifting. I thought that by doing completing the CD and test my charges would be dropped, but now I'm worried that perhaps I am wrong? Is this a form of a diversion program? From the reading I'm doing it seems like they are usually actual classes.
The reason I'm worried is because I have to do a background check for grad school, and if it is going to be on my record I'd rather be honest rather than seem like I'm lying, but I also don't want to say anything if I don't have to. So by completing this CD back then were my charges most likely dismissed? Do I need to worry about this showing up on my background check?

