Felony Pardon Letter Sample

Almost anyone convicted of a California crime can seek a pardon after a satisfactory period of rehabilitation. Depending on the crime, this period can be anywhere from seven (7) to ten (10) years from when the applicant completes probation or parole.

While a presidential pardon will restore various rights lost as a result of the pardoned offense and should lessen to some extent the stigma arising from a conviction, it will not erase or expunge the record of your conviction.

Submit a completed Pardon Application (2 pages) to the Governor's Office. Submit a completed Notice of Intent to Apply for Clemency (1 page) to the district attorney(s) in the county or counties of the conviction(s) for the offense(s) for which you are requesting a pardon.

Pardon EffectsPardons symbolize forgiveness for the crime, but usually don't wipe out guilt or expunge the conviction. This typically means that, where asked, job applicants must disclose the conviction, though they can add that a pardon was granted.

Expungement of an arrest record is handled by the Department of the Attorney General through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center. You may also contact the Expungements section of the Department of the Attorney General at (808) 587-3348. Court records can be sealed and made confidential, through a court order.

The governors of most U.S. states have the power to grant pardons or reprieves for offenses under state criminal law.

According to the Pardons Administrator of the Hawaii Paroling Authority, pardon applicants undergo a formal investigation process conducted under the direction of HPA, including a face-to-face interview by a parole officer with the petitioner (if practicable, by phone if not).

The restoration of California firearm rights, Relief from the duty to register as a sex offender under Penal Code 290 PC, Improved employment prospects, The right to serve on a jury in a California jury trial,