Pardon

If you have completed your sentence but continue to have a hard time getting a job due to your conviction, a pardon may be helpful. A pardon may be granted if you are convicted of a crime and new information indicates that you were innocent. Additionally, a pardon may be granted to prevent deportation. Pardons are rare, so before seeking a pardon, you should apply for other forms of relief such as a Certificate.

To find out about pardons in your state, select the state where your criminal record is located using the drop-down menu below:

Connecticut - Pardons

What is a Pardon?

Connecticut offers both an "Absolute Pardon" and a "Provisional Pardon."

An “Absolute Pardon,” also known as "expungement," erases your criminal history record. To learn more about Absolute Pardons, see section: Connecticut – Expungement.

A “Provisional Pardon,” also referred to as a "Certificate of Employability," provides relief from barriers to employment or occupational licenses for people with convictions.  To learn more about the Certificate of Employability, see section: Connecticut – Certificate of Employability.

How can I get a Pardon Application?

You can apply for a pardon by visiting the Board of Pardons and Paroles ePardon portal at www.ct.gov/bopp

What happens once I apply?

Staff will review your application to ensure it is complete and meets the eligibility requirements. If you are not eligible or your application is incomplete, you will receive an electronic notification. If you are eligible, staff will conduct a background investigation, and you will be contacted for a telephone interview. Once your background check is complete, your application will be scheduled for review by the Board.

How long does the entire Pardons process take?

The entire process can vary depending on the number of applications the Board has received. The Board of Pardons and Paroles, the State Police, the Probation Department, and the Judicial Branch all review your criminal record to make sure that all of your convictions are considered and erased, if the pardon is granted.  

You will be electronically notified by the Board after your application has been received and when it is scheduled for review (either Expedited Review or Pre-screen Review). You will also receive electronic notifications informing you of review session results and any important/relevant information.

What is an expedited Pardon, and how do I apply?

If you are convicted of a non-violent offense where there is no victim interest, you may be considered for an Expedited Review. After reviewing your application, the staff will determine whether you will be scheduled for an Expedited Review without a hearing or a standard pre-screen review. If you qualify, you may be granted an absolute Pardon without being required to be present. There is no separate application process.

More Information About Pardons

For more information about pardons, call the Pardons Unit of the Board of Pardons and Paroles at (203) 805-6643.

Loc level field:
State field: Connecticut

Massachusetts - Pardons

What is a Pardon?

A pardon is considered a form of forgiveness for an individual's offense. A pardon treats your offense as if it had never been committed. The power to grant a pardon is held only by the Governor, with the advice of the Governor’s Council. Pardons are limited to Massachusetts cases only.

Who is Eligible for a Pardon?

You are eligible for a pardon if you have been convicted under Massachusetts state law. You must have demonstrated “good citizenship,” as well as a specific, verified, and compelling need for a pardon. 

What Effect Does a Pardon Have?

A pardon can erase some of the effects of a conviction. It can restore civil rights and remove barriers caused by your record. A pardon may be helpful if:

  • A Massachusetts law prevents you from having certain jobs or licenses because of your conviction.
  • Sealing your record didn’t remove barriers to jobs or other opportunities because some employers and licensing agencies can still see sealed records.
  • Your conviction cannot be sealed under the current sealing law. 

When Can I Apply for a Pardon?

To apply for a pardon for a misdemeanor offense, you must wait five years after you are sentenced or released from incarceration. To apply for a pardon for a felony, you must wait 10 years.

How Do I Apply for a Pardon?

These are the six steps to apply for a Pardon:

  1. Get the "Pardon Petition" form. To download and print the form, visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' website here: Massachusetts Pardon Petition.
  2. Complete the form and sign the release forms that are included.
  3. Get at least three letters of reference from people who know you and can talk about your good character. References cannot come from family.
  4. Get one "letter of verification" that shows you have a "compelling and specific need" for a pardon. For example, a letter from an employer who cannot hire you unless you get a pardon.
  5. Make copies of everything, including one complete set for yourself.
  6. Mail the complete set of documents and the application form to the governor’s office at this address:

Governor's Executive Council
24 Beacon Street
State House, Room 184
Boston, MA 02133

The parole board office will review and investigate your case. If, after review and investigation, the board determines that the petition deserves a hearing, a public hearing will be held. The office will notify the district attorney who prosecuted you, any victims, and the judge. After the office completes its review, it sends a report to the governor and the governor’s executive council. The governor makes the final decision. 

Massachusetts governors rarely approve pardons. You can apply for a pardon, but it is important to know that few pardons are granted. 

What Factors are Important for Getting Support for a Pardon?

Several factors are considered when determining whether to grant a pardon. Factors include, but are not limited to:

  • Actions and efforts over time
  • Compelling need
  • Effects of the conviction
  • Substantial good conduct
  • Passage of five to ten years without conviction or confinement
  • Five-year lookback on restraining orders, criminal cases, and infractions
  • Racial and other systemic bias
  • Nature of the offense
  • Mitigating factors
  • Whether the petitioner is incarcerated
  • Resitituion
  • Restorative justice and other programs
  • Verfied enformcent help
  • Military or public service, and helpful conduct 
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State field: Massachusetts

New Jersey- Pardon

What is a Pardon?

A pardon is a type of clemency. An application for an executive pardon essentially asks the state’s highest-ranking official (the governor) to “forgive” a crime, as if it never happened. 

A person who has been pardoned may qualify for employment licenses for certain jobs where their previous convictions prevented them from getting these jobs. 

An executive pardon has the same benefits as expungements and restores civil rights and provides a person with relief from all “legal disability.”

Who is eligible for a Pardon?

Anyone is welcome to apply for clemency. However, you must have a conviction in New Jersey. The governor cannot pardon you for federal or out-of-state convictions.

What effect does a Pardon have?

A pardon forgives guilt and frees you from punishment. It restores civil rights and makes your conviction eligible for expungement.

When can I apply for a Pardon?

New Jersey does not have a specific waiting period to apply for a pardon.

Does applying for a Pardon cost anything?

No. Submitting the clemency application is free.

How can I apply for a Pardon?

You can apply for a pardon either online or by mail. 

To apply online, you can register, access, and submit the application here.

To apply by mail, you can download and print the application here, fill it out in hard copy, and submit the application, alongside any supporting documentation*, to the address below: 

 

New Jersey State Parole Board
Attn: Clemency Unit
P.O. Box 862
Trenton, NJ 08625

*Documentation may include a copy of a high school diploma, college transcript, marriage license, proof of employment, proof of citizenship, etc. However, you don't need to provide these documents.

Recent Update: On June 19, 2024, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 362, which established the Clemency Advisory Board. The Board will review clemency applications and recommend whether each application should be granted. The members of this Board represent a range of perspectives on and experience with the criminal justice system generally and executive clemency in particular.

Members of the Clemency Advisory Board

  • Justin Dews (Chair)
  • Jessica Henry
  • JoEllyn Jones
  • Ed Neafsey
  • Bishop Joshua Rodriguez
  • Michael Zuckerman

For More Information: FAQs

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State field: New Jersey

New York - Pardon

What is a Pardon?

If you have completed your sentence and your criminal history continues to cause problems, a pardon may provide you with special relief from some or all of the consequences of a criminal conviction. In New York State, the Governor has the power to grant pardons. Pardons DO NOT expunge a criminal conviction from your New York State record.

Who is Eligible for a Pardon?

Anyone is eligible for a pardon, but they are rarely granted. Pardons may be granted if new information suggests that you were actually innocent. Additionally, a pardon may be granted to prevent deportation.

What Effect Does a Pardon Have?

A pardon can:

  1. Set aside a conviction when overwhelming evidence and convincing proof of innocence becomes available;
  2. Relieve a disability that is the result of a conviction; or
  3. Prevent deportation from or permit reentry into the United States.

When Can I Apply for a Pardon?

If you have completed your sentence but continue to face problems in your life due to your conviction, you can apply for a pardon.

How Do I Apply for a Pardon?

The Executive Clemency Bureau is a unit within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision that assists the Governor’s Office with clemency applications. The Executive Clemency Bureau receives applications and initiates a review process, which includes compiling past criminal records and/or records while incarcerated.

The Bureau then sends completed applications to the Governor’s Office for review.

To apply for a pardon, follow these three steps:

  1. Use this Pardon Request form to submit to the Executive Clemency Bureau:
    ‌Pardon Request Form to DOCCS OR ‌Pardon Request Form to DOCCS (16 & 17) (for applicants who committed an eligible non-violent crime at age 16 or 17)
  2. You should send copies of any certificates, letters of support or recommendation, diplomas, or proof of any other accomplishments you have achieved.
    ‌Provide letters of support from family, friends, religious leaders or community members.
  3. Make a copy for yourself and mail your application packet to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Executive Clemency Bureau:

New York State
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Executive Clemency Bureau
The Harriman State Campus – Building 2
1220 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12226-2050

Or, scan the documents and email your application packet to the following address: PardonsAndCommutations@doccs.ny.gov

Pardon Request Form Example HERE 

Pardon Request (16 & 17) Form Example HERE

What Factors Are Considered in a Pardon Application?

Factors within a pardon application you should address:

  • Rehabilitation: You must demonstrate that you have made positive changes in your life since your conviction. This may consist of any accomplishments you have made in employment, education, or community service.
  • Time: Consider how much time has passed since your initial conviction.
  • Need: Your application should clearly explain why you require a pardon. This may involve including examples of how your conviction has directly disadvantaged you, and how you require a pardon to help you.

More Information About Pardons

NY State Executive Clemency Bureau

Loc level field: state
State field: New York

Pennsylvania - Pardons

What is a Pardon?

A pardon can remove the effects of a criminal conviction. It is considered a total forgiveness from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After a pardon, you can legally say you were never convicted of a crime on future job applications.

Who is eligible for a pardon?

Anyone who has a criminal record may apply for a pardon.

When can I apply for a pardon?

There are no definite standards for when a pardon will be given.

What is the effect of a Pardon?

Pardons can restore your rights to participate in activities, including:

  • Expanding employment opportunities
  • Serving in the military
  • Owning and carrying a legally obtained firearm
  • Traveling internationally
  • Holding public office
  • Serving on a Jury

How do I apply for a Pardon?

The process of requesting a pardon can take several years to complete from start to finish. Your application for clemency requires personal details as well as information about the convictions for which you want to be pardoned. Follow these steps to apply for a pardon:

  1. Identify your convictions. Determine which conviction(s) you are seeking clemency for. You can look up your criminal docket online here. 
  2. Gather required court documents. You must provide the following documents for your application to be reviewed. If you are currently incarcerated, you are not required to submit these. If the court does not have these documents, it must provide you with a letter confirming their unavailability. If a Magisterial District Judge sentenced you, and your case is older than seven years, you are not required to get a letter. 
    1. Criminal Complaint
    2. Affidavit of Probable Cause
    3. Criminal Information/Indictment
    4. Final Plea or Verdict
    5. Sentencing Order
    6. Documentation of Financial Obligation Status
  3. Pay any outstanding financial obligations (e.g., unpaid fines, fees, or restitution). 
  4. Prepare a personal statement and documents. 
    1. Write a personal statement explaining why you are requesting clemency and how your life has changed since the offense. You may include letters of support and/or certificates or diplomas. 
  5. Apply for clemency either online or on a printable application. To submit your online application, click here. To fill out a printable application, click here. 
    1. If you are submitting a printable application by email, attach the form with a couple of your required court documents to bopclemency@pa.gov.
    2. If you are submitting by mail, print your completed application and include copies of your required documents to the Board of Pardons at the address listed here.

If you are unable to print an application at home, the Board of Pardons will mail one to you. You can request an application by mailing the following information to the Board of Pardons:

Applicant name
Mailing address to send the application
Phone number (optional)
Email address (optional)

It will take approximately three weeks for your application request to be processed.

How does the Application Review Process Work?

After your application is received, a letter will be sent to confirm the submission. 

After your application is filed, you will receive a letter confirming this action, and a copy of the application will be sent to the following entities for review:

  • Department of Corrections: Investigates your case and conducts applicant interviews
  • District Attorney and President Judge in the county where the crime(s) occurred: May provide an opinion on the merits of the application

The BOP will review and investigate your case. You will meet with an investigating agent. The agent will interview you and ask about your marital and family status, employment, education, religion, membership in organizations, travel, military service, and other relevant details. You will need to provide documents to support all the information you report about your life. You will also need at least three to five written references from individuals who know you well and are not family members. The investigation takes about a year.

The board then reviews the investigation report. If two of the five members of the board agree that your case should proceed, you will have a public hearing. If your conviction was for a violent crime or the use of a gun, three board members must agree.

At the hearing, you will have just 15 minutes to present your case. At least three board members must agree to recommend that the governor grant your pardon. If your conviction was for a crime of violence, the vote to recommend must be unanimous (all five board members).

The Governor makes the final decision to grant clemency. If your case receives the required number of votes during the hearing, your application will be sent to the Governor. The Governor may approve or disapprove any favorable recommendation submitted by the Board.

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State field: Pennsylvania