I applied for an online visa to the US about two years ago and got a refusal decision because I had answered yes to being arrested. I was directed to the visa application route. I did not understand the moral turpitude meaning and have since been advised to re-apply and say no to the question. But I am not sure this is right and if they would now have a record of my previous attempt which will forever show? 

Thanks
C

I suspect that your details are now logged in their system, so if you apply for an ESTA and say you haven't been arrested, they might query that. I've heard that there is an option to say that you had mistakenly given the wrong answer, but I have no idea what they would want after that.

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If you are to punish a man retributively you must injure him. If you are to reform him you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries. (George Bernard Shaw)

Yes I think you're right. Thanks