5 years ago I was found guilty of criminal damages. Put on probation for 36 months and charged restition. I called to verify that the 36 month probabtion was complete and was told that because it took so long to pay the restitution that 2 years had been added to my probation. I would like to petition the court for early termination of probation and to "set aside" criminal charges" as this has kept me from employment as it shows up on any background checks run. How do I proceed with this? Do you have an example of what to say in a letter to the court requesting this?

Where? In some States you need to petition the Court. In others you write a letter to the Judge.

"Guilty of criminal damages" will show on your background check regardless of whether you are on probation. It will be available forever on certain background checks - mostly Police and Government.

At any rate, what State?