Expungement in Indiana

[hoosierlaw]

My question involves criminal records for the state of: Indiana
Ok so we've got a new law going into effect tomorrow that helps a little with expungement or at least sealing records prior to eight years. And from what I've been able to find so far it appears that a pardon is the only way to get a record expunged in this state. (The offense in question is a felony drug possession from 20 years ago. Time was served and his record has been clean - spotless - since then. And the amount of drugs was just big enough to make it a felony.) So my question is, is it really that difficult to get a pardon in Indiana? Or would this new law help just as much? And is a lawyer really necessary in order to go through the pardon proceedings? I've downloaded the pardon packet from the state's website but is this something that can be tackled on our own?
Considering he's a model citizen, married for 20 yrs, homeowner, employed, put himself through college including a masters degree, doesn't even drink let alone use any drugs - there's just got to be something we can do to get a kid's stupid mistake clean up.
Thanks for any advice you may have.

[Mr. Knowitall]

It's difficult to get a pardon in any state. All you can do is apply, submitting the best application you can put together, and see what happens. I cannot promise that a lawyer will help; but the defendant knows his capacity better than we do.

[indybail]

I suspect the odds are long, but the procedure exists for a reason so why not make the effort? I for one one would be interested in the outcome, so if you proceed please let us know how it went.