[rietta]

To the OP, it would seem reasonable to inquire with an attorney about petitioning to have the conviction set aside. I am not a lawyer, but it seems that a restoration of rights via means of an expungement or even a Presidential pardon would be avenues likely open for you.

[0x00_]

Thanks rietta. Unfortunately presidential pardons are difficult to get without help from a political connection.

Based on the data (http://www.justice.gov/pardon/statistics.htm) in addition to the cumulative experience of those who have turned their lives around for decades and still been denied, I made a decision to try that later when I have a better history to present in my petition.

As you can see, the odds are scary. My chances of getting one without a friend in government (or part of a lobbying body) are really slim.