reversed and dismissed conviction and liscensure

[DAmaya]

Hi,
I am a Registered Dietitian in New York which does not currently require liscensure for dietitians in New York. About eighteen years ago, in Arizona, I was accused and plead guilty (no lawyer) to misdemeanor shoplifting. I paid a fine. I later successfully had the conviction reversed and dismissed. If New York requires liscensure for dietitians in the future, will I have a problem obtaining it and do I have to list the legal issue on the application to the state? Should I have a lawyer fill out the form for me or do it myself? (This all happened before I was a registered dietitian)
Also, can future employers find out about the issue from background checks if I change jobs as more healthcare companies are requiring them now? I was not fingerprinted, just given a written summons at the store with a court date on it. The reversed conviction was in my maiden name.
Help, I've put a lot of time and money into my career and don't want to loose it someday over something dumb from a long time ago.
Thanks

 

[presutin]

Yes, the conviction will show up on the background search. As far as the licensure, check NY laws to see what is it that your state requires when it comes to disclosure.

 

[cbg]

Minor correction: The conviction CAN show up on a background check. Whether it WILL or not depends on how deep a check the employer makes.

I will grant, for health care it's pretty certain they'll run a deep enough check to find it. But all background checks are not created equal.

 

[DAmaya]

Ok, is this something that will show up as a conviction as it was set aside, or as an arrest? Is there anything I can do to get this off of my record for future jobs? Is there a way that I can tell if it will show up, like have my fingerprints run for my own info ( I wasn't printed or booked)
Thanks