CLEARING A CRIMINAL RECORD IN PA

Pardon

A pardon relieves an individual of the consequences, generally in the nature of legal disabilities, resulting from conviction for a crime. Approximately 85 percent of the clemency applications the Board receives are for pardons, the balance for commutation of sentences. A pardon constitutes total forgiveness by the state, makes the crime as if it never happened and allows a job applicant to deny he was ever convicted of the crime without worry of any sanction. It is recommended though, that such a denial be explained to be based on the existence of a pardon from the Governor.




Eligibility






There are no minimum eligibility requirements, however, the applicant should be able to demonstrate a reasonable period of time having elapsed since the crime (sufficient to show rehabilitation) and successful completion of all court-imposed requirements such as probation, parole, and payment of all fines and costs.










How to Apply for a Pardon


The Board of Pardons application cannot be obtained online and an online


version from another source will not be accepted. At the present time, the


only means of obtaining a Board of Pardons application is through the mail


directly from the Board of Pardons Office.


To obtain an application send a money order, certified check, cashier's check,


institution check or law firm check in the amount of $8.00,


made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.


Personal checks and cash are not accepted. This fee is non-refundable.


Enclose a letter requesting an application along with a self-addressed business


size envelope with $.65 postage.






Mail these items to the following address: Board of Pardons
333 Market Street
15th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126






Upon receipt of the $8.00 fee, you will be mailed an application for clemency,


along with a complete set of instructions.


Incarcerated Applicant Instructions.doc


Non-Incarcerated Applicant Instructions.doc