I used to see ads on TV for pardoning services, that implied that they could restore your ability to travel. Does anyone know if those actually work? If they do, then you might really be clear and free with a bit less than $100MM after, say, 5 years.

Any real "pardoning" service at that level is simply a very good, high-priced law firm. And yeah, they do "work." AKA they file the correct legal paperwork and navigate the bureaucracy better than your average citizen.

Federal charges can only be pardoned by the president, are limited in number, and don't expunge your record with very few exceptions. You still need to report the conviction, and still need to ask various states for "forgiveness" to restore your rights.

Personally, I'd stick to the PowerBall for a get rich quick dream.

If I had $104M in the bank I'd put it as the caption on the top of my resume "Spent three years in federal prison..."