I am considering applying to TOP graduate business schools soon, but I
have a Texas criminal record.  To give you some background, I have a
prior Assault charge stemming from a bar fight two years ago.  I
received deferred adjudication for one year and completed this
successfully.  It gets worse.  This year, I received a Possession of
Controlled Substance charge and am currently serving out a 3 year
probation sentence for this.  In spite of all of this, I attended a
top ranked undergraduate university, have an excellent employment
record, and scored highly on my entrance exam.  My primary questions
are:

1. Are background checks typically part of the application / admissions process?
2. Does my background prevent me from getting accepted into TOP
graduate business schools?
3. Is my background a factor weighing heavily against me during the
admissions process?
4. If so, how long does my criminal record affect my chances of
getting accepted into these programs?

Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.