I went ahead and submitted the paperwork to apply for a pardon from the Governor of Arkansas - as that is what I was told by the DPS attorney, was my last resort. Months passed, then the ADC (Arkansas Dept. of Corrections) decided that my request for a Pardon was "with merit" and forwarded it to the Governors office. I called for a status check back in Feburary and the Governor's office told me no decision would be made until September. I called the Governor's Office this morning for a status check and after talking with the attorney there, she tells me that she reviewed my application and I dont need a Pardon.
When my charge was expunged, my status was changed to Not Guilty. She said I should not have disclosed the conviction on my CHL application, as the charge should not show up on a background check - Federal or otherwise. She said they have no record of the charge, and if questioned, I can say that I have never had a Felony. She recommended that I re-apply for the CHL, or try purchasing a weapon. 
