Factors Considered in Pennsylvania Pardon Process
What the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Considers in a Pardon Application
To be considered for a pardon in Pennsylvania, a person must submit a completed application along with all supporting materials to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Once the application is filed, the Board reviews several key factors to determine whether a pardon should be recommended to the Governor.
Below is a breakdown of the major considerations that can impact the outcome of your pardon request.
Key Factors Considered by the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons
1. Time Since the Last Offense
One of the most important factors is how much time has passed since the individual committed a criminal offense. A significant amount of time without any further legal trouble shows the applicant has been rehabilitated.
More serious offenses (e.g., felony drug delivery) or individuals with lengthy criminal histories typically require a longer waiting period before the Board is likely to recommend a pardon.
While there’s no official waiting period, many experienced attorneys suggest waiting at least 5 to 10 years after completing your sentence—depending on the severity of the charges.
2. Successful Completion of Sentence
The applicant must have completed all court-ordered sentencing requirements, including:
Payment of all fines and costs
Fulfillment of probation or parole
Completion of any required treatment or community service
If you still owe court costs or have incomplete sentencing conditions, the Board will likely reject the application outright.
3. Positive Life Changes and Rehabilitation
The Board evaluates whether you have made positive changes and demonstrated that you’ve learned from past mistakes. Strong indicators include:
Career advancement or stable employment
Educational achievements or training
Volunteer work or community service
Family responsibilities and support roles
Your application should clearly demonstrate that you are a productive and law-abiding member of society.
4. Specific Need for a Pardon
The Board considers why you are requesting a pardon. Be specific. Examples include:
Employment opportunities blocked by a criminal record
Restoration of firearm rights
Volunteering or coaching at your child’s school
Professional licensing
Housing or financial aid access
The clearer and more compelling the reason, the more likely the Board is to take your request seriously.
5. Victim Input and Impact
If your case involved a victim, they will be notified of the pardon request. Victims may:
Submit a confidential written statement
Appear at the hearing to share their views on whether the pardon should be granted
The Board takes victim impact seriously, so it is important to acknowledge this element and be prepared to address it during your hearing if applicable.
Why You Should Work With an Experienced Pennsylvania Pardon Attorney
The pardon process in Pennsylvania is complex, and the factors above are not clearly defined or uniformly applied. That’s why it’s critical to work with an experienced Pennsylvania pardon lawyer who can:
Advise you on how long you should wait before applying based on your charges
Help you gather the right supporting documents
Assist in drafting a compelling personal statement
Prepare you for the interview and hearing before the Board
If you’re serious about clearing your criminal record and improving your future, investing in the right legal guidance can significantly increase your chances of success.
Contact a Pennsylvania Pardon Attorney Today
If you were convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania and are considering applying for a pardon, contact Attorney Jason S. Dunkle at JD Law to discuss your situation and legal options. With decades of experience helping clients navigate the pardon and expungement process, Attorney Dunkle can help you take the right steps to move forward.
For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.