My question involves a background check in the State of: California.
Last March I was arrested for burglary from Macy's Department Store at the age of 17. The police were called in and they took me to the police station since I was arrested. Because I was a minor, my parents came to pick me up. An officer booked me and took my fingerprints and I was later released to my parents. The police officer gave my parents two citations or something saying I was suppose to appear at court. The next month I found out that my case has been dismissed so I am assuming that I have never been convicted of a crime or felony since I did not have to appear before a judge. However, I have an arrest record. On job applications, they ask if I have ever been CONVICTED of a crime; they do not ask if I was ARRESTED. I wasn't sure how to answer the question so I put "No" since I was never convicted. Will that be held against me? Technically, I wasn't lying.. but I was not straight forward either... Will my arrest show up on background checks if I do not get my record sealed or expunged?
I know what I did was wrong and it was my first and last offense. Because of the incident, I've changed into a better person and I have always been a good student at school. I just wish that this incident would not be held against me for the rest of my life.
If anyone can help me answer my questions, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

