As far as I know, no school presently asks the question with a reassurance that many students who disclose are admitted anyway. That’s what I’d like to see. Students have no idea that disclosing is the start of a conversation as opposed to the end of one. Schools could do a lot more to make that clear.
I like Hanna’s idea of putting in language indicating that charges do not mean an automatic rejection. I do, however, think it’s useful question. I’ve seen too many kids with means who have done horrible things get around the “Have you been convicted of a crime?” question by using legal tactics to delay a final judgement.
In one case I know of a kid hit someone while driving drunk, badly injuring the other driver, who suffered a seriously brain injury. His family was wealthy and got the trial delayed for over a year, during which time he was admitted to college. The student was eventually convicted on multiple charges, including witness intimidation.