The Pardon Process in Pennsylvania: Ciccarelli Lawyers works with our clients to obtain a pardon from the Board of Pardons, beginning with a request for an application for pardon and assisting you in the competition and submission of the petition. The pardon process is a very worthwhile process but a timely one and it is possible that a pardon can take in excess of 18 months from the time a pardon application is submitted to the time a case is scheduled for a hearing.
The pardon process in Pennsylvania involves an investigation that begins after the completed application is submitted where an agent or agents of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole look into both the nature of the crime, the circumstances surrounding the charges and information regarding you and your background that culminates in them interviewing you.
The next stage of the pardon process is the merit review where a determination is made by the five members of the Board to approve your application. Where at least two members of the board approve, then a hearing is scheduled and it is usually scheduled at the state capital in Harrisburg Pennsylvania.
Though there are no set minimum factors for gaining a pardon, the Board of Pardons does consider such factors as the amount of time that has passed since the commission of the crimes, the impact the crime had on any victim, the fact that you have complied with all of your sentencing requirements, examples of positive changes you have made to your life since the offense, and the reason behind the pardon request (ie. employment).
At the hearing, you have an opportunity to speak to the Board and our office will be present to represent you and help you explain the events that have occurred since the crime and your need for a pardon. Your petition is presented to the Governor for his review and approval if three of the five members of the Board of Pardons votes to recommend your application.
However, there is no appeal process in the event your pardon is turned down. You do have a right to reapply after one year; there is a two year waiting period after a second denial.
Once a pardon is approved by the Governor, then your case is eligible for an expungement and an expungement petition must be filed to clear your record. We are based in Suburban Philadelphia in Chester County and represent individuals in pardon applications throughout Pennsylvania including Chester County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County. Contact us at (877) 529-4222 to fight to clear your name!
