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 Certificates of Employability, see section: Connecticut – Certificates of Employability.
Who is Eligible for a Pardon?
You are eligible for an Absolute Pardon if:
- You were charged with a crime but found not guilty;
- Your case was dismissed;
- The charges against you were dropped (“nolled”) at least 13 months ago; or
- Your case was put on hold at least 13 months ago and there has been no prosecution or other disposition of the matter.
You are also eligible for an Absolute Pardon if it has been five years from the date of conviction for a felony and three years from the date of conviction for a misdemeanor. You cannot have any pending charges or other open cases in any other jurisdiction.
What Effect Does a Pardon Have?
An Absolute Pardon in Connecticut erases or expunges your record. All police and court records pertaining to your case are erased, the state may not disclose the offense to anyone including law enforcement, and the state must destroy the court records. You may legally deny the arrest.
When Can I Apply for a Pardon?
You can apply for an Absolute pardon three years after the date of the disposition of your most recent misdemeanor conviction and/or five years after the date of the disposition of your most recent felony conviction.
How Do I Apply for a Pardon?
Here are the six steps to apply for a pardon:
- Obtain the Absolute Pardon Application form. To access the absolute pardon application, visit the Board of Pardons and Paroles website here: Pardon Application.
- Get your fingerprints taken from any local police department.
- Collect and prepare all of the required documents. This includes reference letters, resumes, driver’s licenses or state identification card, proof of employment, and more.
- Pay the $75.00 fee. Acceptable forms of payment include a check or money order made payable to the “Treasurer-State of CT”.
- Make copies of everything, including one complete set for yourself.
- Mail the complete set of documents and a set of your fingerprints to this address:
Board of Pardon and Paroles
Attn: Pardons Unit
55 West Main Street, Suite 520
Waterbury, CT 06702
Your entire criminal history record is considered for an absolute pardon. The Pardons Board, State Police, the Probation Department, and the Judicial Branch all review your criminal history record to ensure that all convictions are considered and erased as required. The Board reviews your completed application at a pre-screen session. You should receive a letter from the Board with the results of the pre-screen session.
To learn more about the Absolute Pardon application process, see section: Connecticut - Expungement.
More Information About Pardons
For more information about pardons, call the Pardons Unit of the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ at (203) 805-6643.