Getting your record expunged, can you, should you try? What do people know about this? Can you do it yourself, or do you need a lawyer? No one in my school seems to know much about this. Is it separate at the state and federal levels? Has anyone done it? Did it make any difference in your life? Is it worth it? Does it take forever? I want to know people experiences as much as legal details, any info would help, as well as where to look for info. Thanx

Hello Darkbluegirl, First of all before you can get your records expunged, You need to apply to Get your Civil Rights Back. I just got My Civil Rights back a few months ago! Once that happens, then you can try and get your record expunged, depending on what the crime was. There are exceptions to what you can and cant have expunged. I dont have the time this morning to go into any more detail, but if you like, you can PM me or I will repost here when I can this weekend. I am also going to try to get my Record expunged, and You dont have to have a attorney, you can do it yourself! It all depends on how many charges you have against you and what they are like I said. I myself am going to try to do the paperwork myself. I live in Florida, so I dont know about how things are where you live. Everyone kept telling me I needed a attorney to try to get my Civil Rights back, but I got the paperwork and did it all myself! I have to go for now,but will try to get back this weekend and help you in anyway I can!

Also make a copy of your records. Even if they are expunged you may need info of them for your future use (ei: applying to law school, get a pilot's license, etc)

I got my citizenship restored by contacting the governor of Iowa. I had to be discharged of my sentence and a payment plan set up as to how I'd be paying off my tons of restitution.
As for expungement I have to wait till 2014 when I apply for my firearm rights back. Thats in Iowa...