Question about criminal background question on applications....?

I have been looking for a job for quite some time now with no luck. I know the economy is bad, but I am pretty sure that my criminal background is keeping me from getting a job. I was convicted of a felony (forgery-less than $20!!) when I was 18 years old (8 years ago!) and haven't been in any trouble since then. I have two degrees, good references, etc. I was laid off about a year ago and have been unable to find a job since then. The majority of employers want you to apply online nowadays and there is so much competition. Of course employers are more likely to choose someone who is able to check no to the question regarding criminal background when they only have applications to go on and no face to face contact (i.e. first impressions). I am in the process of getting this expunged, but that can take up to a year! Anyways...I got off on a tangent. My question is what is the best response to the question 'Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, please explain.' I would never lie about it because they would more than likely discover it when they run a background check. I have been saying: "I was convicted of a crime when I was 18 years old. I have not had any legal trouble since then. I am currently in the process of getting it expunged from my record. I will gladly explain this in detail if offered an interview." Should I explain that it was forgery or omit this? I would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone has to offer! Thanks in advance!