It depends on what you are declaring. Here is the way it works: the 8500-8 is completed electronically and sent to the FAA via internet connection. Their computer scans all positive answers - some are passed through and some are kicked out for a human to look at. Depending on the explanation you put in block 18 for the positive answer and the explanation the AME puts in block 60 explaining the answer (here is where it is good to have a proactive AME who is your advocate) it either gets sent back to the system and is gone forever or it is held for further review. When it is held for further review, they may ask for more records or send it to one of the physicians to review.
The important thing is to write a good explanation of the incident or case that fully explains it. For example, a MIP charge when you were 16 and youa re now 26 with no further problems with the law - it will get sent on through. a MIP charge when you were 16, an assault charge at 18, an DUI at 19 and a disorderly conduct charge at 22 will get looked at and reviewed further. They are willing to say you were young and stupid but that disappeared when you became an adult.
