PARDONS
You need a pardon. Now what? We're here to help you understand the pardon process.
In Pennsylvania, every criminal record is eligible for a pardon after your sentence is complete.
Misdemeanor and felony convictions that are not eligible for sealing can only be cleared if a pardon is granted first. Learn more about the pardon process here.
What makes a good pardon candidate?
According to the Board of Pardons’ guide, some factors that influence their decisions include:
-
-
- How much time has passed since your conviction?
- Have you complied with all court requirements and paid off costs, fines, and restitution?
- Are you remorseful?
- Have you attended the required treatment sessions and/or classes?
- Have you made positive changes to your life (career, education, community involvement, etc.) since your conviction?
- Why do you need a pardon? How does not having a pardon affect your daily life?
- Was there a victim, and if so, how did your crime impact the victim?
-
How to Apply?
The Board of Pardons has changed the pardon process to eliminate pardon filing fees and make it easier to apply. Learn about the pardon process on the Board of Pardons website. The Board of Pardons provides many materials to help applicants with the process, including this helpful written guide and these video guides.
Step 1: The application
Download the application. The application can be found here. Fill out the application, including all the required information about the convictions you want pardoned.
Step 2: Court records
Request certified copies of your full court records. Certified copies of your full court records must be included with your pardon application. These can be obtained from the court clerk in the county you were convicted. More information about those records can be found here.
Step 3: Supplemental documents
Start collecting supplemental documents that show your character, education and other accomplishments. These could include letters about your character from your friends, family, coworkers or community members, or certificates and diplomas that show your education or work accomplishments.
Step 4: Essays
Write essays explaining your convictions. Make sure to provide thoughtful, detailed answers on the application and show that you take responsibility for the actions that led to your conviction. We recommend that you read the court records before writing these essays, to make sure you don’t leave out important information.
Step 5: Personal statement
Write a personal statement. The pardon application gives you an option to write a personal statement. Though it is optional, we recommend that everyone write a personal statement. In your personal statement, you can discuss the positive changes you have made to your life (career, education, community involvement, etc.) since your conviction. You can also discuss why you need a pardon, and how your convictions have negatively impacted your life.
Step 6: Submit the application
Submit your application, personal statement and supplemental documents to the Board of Pardons, following the instructions on the application. Read on to learn what happens after you submit your application.
Pardon Application Procedure - After Submission
After you apply, there are several steps in the review process before a pardon is granted.
Step 1: Interview
The Board will file your application within a few months of receiving it. After some time (up to two years) you will get interviewed by a state patrol agent.
Step 2: Hearing
The Board will take a vote to decide if you will receive a hearing. If you are granted a hearing, you will present your case to the Board and answer questions in Harrisburg.
Step 3: Governor’s Signature
If the Board votes in your favor, your application will be sent to the Governor of Pennsylvania. If the Governor grants the pardon, you will receive a signed document from him.
Step 4: Expungement
The final step in the pardon process is expungement. After you receive the signed document from the Governor, you should find legal help and file a petition in court to expunge your pardoned convictions. It will take between 2 and 6 months for the courts and Pennsylvania State Police to expunge it. Learn more about expungement.
PARDON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a pardon?
Do I need a pardon?
In Pennsylvania, a pardon is the only way to clear felony and misdemeanor convictions that are not eligible for sealing.
Learn more about which convictions are eligible for sealing.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a pardon?
No. You do not need the help of a lawyer to apply for a pardon. The Board of Pardons website includes many materials to help applicants with the process, including this helpful written guide and these video guides.
Who decides whether a pardon is granted?
The Board of Pardons makes recommendations for who should get pardons, but the Governor of Pennsylvania makes the final decision.
How long does a pardon take?
A pardon is a much longer process than sealing or expungement, and the chance of getting a pardon is smaller. The entire process can take up to 5 years. If you have a limited record and it is old, you may be able to apply for an expedited pardon.
When should I apply?
Most people who receive pardons have waited 5 to 10 years after finishing their sentence before applying. A person with a less serious record (misdemeanor convictions or nonviolent felony convictions) may be successful after a shorter period, such as 5 years. Someone with a serious felony record should consider waiting a longer period, such as 10 years, before applying for a pardon.
I want to apply for a pardon in the future. What can I do now?
You can start working on your application soon after your conviction. If you want to apply for a pardon in the future, you should keep track of any successes, good deeds, and efforts you've made to improve yourself since the crime.
My record is very old. Can I still apply for a pardon?
Yes. It is never too late to ask for a pardon - if you have old convictions following you around, you may be a good candidate for a pardon.
Find A Legal Representative
A legal representative in the county of your arrest can file record clearing petitions or help with complicated issues. Free legal services may be available.
