of their life? I was convicted of a felony when I was 18 yrs old. I was still a child. I had no money for an attorney, I had no family around for help, no one to turn to. I was very scared and threated by very educated district court members that I would spend alot more time in Prison if I didn't plea-bargain with them. Now that I think about it 10 yrs later... I could have fought them and won. But, after spending 9 months in county jail awaiting trial date, then offered this deal for freedom (with life long restrictions) all I wanted was to get out of that god awfull place. Now I carry a scar that mind-has-well be tatoo'd on my face. This was is no way a sexual crime of any sort, nor was it agianst a woman or a child. It was a matter of self defense where the perp. lost and was seen as a victim in the eyes of the law. There was bodily harm but it was not substantial. Now after reading this, do you think I should be punished for the rest of my life??? Should I never be able to become a doctor?? should I never be able to take a bar exam and become a lawyer?? Should all of my weapons rights be stricken from me forever?? should I never be able to hunt??? Not even with a bow?? Get serious!!! Someone like me is not worthy enuf to be considered as a citizen of where he/she was born because of a mistake as a child.. People change as they grow, I have not had anything but a no seat belt traffic ticket since then.. I work every day and enjoy my parent hood. Am I a still a peasant compared to someone who has an immaculant record?