How long can you wait till you get a dismissed crime expunged?

**For a federal government job, you cannot even have had arrests right?

I got a Misdemeanor class C dismissed 5 years ago and want to know if I can still get it expunged.. Eventhough it was dismissed, it still shows up on my record as dismissed. I want it to go away completely. I am studying languages right now and wish to be an interpreter for a big agency and don't want this to hold me back. I've worked for the federal government before and I know they perform a very thorough background check.. Would this even matter for a background check like that?

How long can you wait till you get a dismissed crime expunged?greek theater

A case that was dismissed shouldn't keep you from getting a job with a government agency. However, if it's a job that requires a very thorough background check and Top Secret clearance, then you may get passed up for other candidates with cleaner records.

How long can you wait till you get a dismissed crime expunged?performing arts show opera theater

Usually five years. It could still be discoverable.
the best advice i can give is talk to the lawyer who got your misdemeanor dismissed. if you didn't use a lawyer, consult one, most lawyers will give a free consultation. you may need the lawyer to expunge if from your record.
Best hire a lawyer or try to write to your state Representative. Being dismissed there should be no problem. UNLESS it was dismissed in a plea-bargain, where your original arrest was reduced to a lower penalty.

Anthony S. is correct also
It would show up, but it's up to the agency if they have an issue with it. You know, just call the HR department at the federal agency you're interested in and ask them, they'll tell you.

You can ask an attorney in the jurisdiction where you have the charge if it's possible to go in front of the same court for a dismissal expungment. He or she could tell you pretty quick. (It has to be in the same jurisdiction.)

Most expungments cost around $600-800 to get a petition and one appearance in front of a judge to rule on it. Good luck!
no..

dismissed charges aren't convictions....

expunges normally apply to age 18 and under.

consult an attorney.....

states vary in supressing records ect.
It would be helpful if you identified the jurisdiction. In California, the only way to get a dismissed case completely off your record is with a finding of factual innocence, which means under CA law that there was no probable cause to believe you committed a crime in the first place. But who knows what the law of your jurisdiction is until you tell us what jurisdition it is.