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.

2. Successful Completion of Sentence

The applicant must have completed all court-ordered sentencing requirements, including:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.