Hi there, I was charged with a felon when I was 20 years old (grand theft) was on probation and had problems with my probation officer. He attempted to throw me in jail for problems paying my fines. (kept getting me fired) I walked out of his office and said fine arrest me and never went back to my meetings. About a year later I finally got arrested, and at the time I was trying to join the army. So, when I went to court I took the guilty plea just so I could get it all done and join the army. I got time served and paid the rest of my fines off. I then went into the army, and now I am out. I am a veteran of the Iraq war, and now this conviction is ruining my life. Is there anything I can do to either seal or change the plea? It's been a long time, 15 years. The military new of my conviction and got me waivers to get in and to be able to carry a firearm. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello sam:

I'd apply for a pardon. You're going to need a lawyer.

excon

Either a pardon or an expungement will be your solution. Either one takes an attorney and several months to accomplish.

Or go back into the army, you will find if you got exemptions then you are treated equally. Even if and when you get it explunged, it will still effect some careers and job chances.

What type of job are you trying to get into

Right now any job, but with my experience in Iraq I was hoping to get into security or something along those lines. I am taking networking and security classes, and I don't want my past to ruin my future. Just wish I had a better lawyer at the time...