Pardon Assistance

PARDON ASSISTANCE

Important Information

All Pardon Applications are submitted as a Certificate of Rehabilitations then automictically approved to be considered for a pardon by the Governor. A pardon is just a certified document signed by the Governor aside from the Certificate of Rehabilitation that you have proved to be a productive and abiding citizen.

The Certificate of Rehabilitation granted by the Judge in the court that convicted you, serves the same purpose. You do not have to wait for a pardon from the Governor to proceed with cleaning your record.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide special attention in the preparation of all applicants information and files to successfully get your application granted by the court.

Who Qualifies

if you have been sentenced to State Prison or convicted in a federal court or military, you are eligible to request a pardon.

If you have not been jailed over a new offense since the completion of their case. You have lived in California for the last 5 years. In addition were convicted of a felony and was given probation and have had a expungement already.

Court martial must wait 5 years from your release to apply. Additional requirements for a pardon is to have satisfied the courts requests including probation, parole and supervise commitments.

You must demonstrate that you have been a productive and law-abiding citizen. In conclusive, you must not have any open cases or currently active on parole or probation on a felony conviction..

File Preparation

When preparing your application we obtain a copy of your original case files, transcripts and collect certain documents that are required to be attached to your application.

A initial interview will be conducted to prepare a declaration on your behalf. The goal in preparing your file is to make it easier for the court to understand your case, your circumstances at the time of your conviction and where you stand today.

What We Need From You

You will need to request letters from friends and family in regards to your reference of character. Expressing how you have changed since your release.

We also will need to obtain a updated copy of your criminal record. In which we will assist you in obtaining.

Once Submitted

Once we have gathered all the documentation required for the application. We will submit the application to the court upon approval, it will be transferred to the Governor's Office.

The Governors Office will then contact you to go over your

application and set up an appointment to assign a parole agent to visit you in person to finalize your application process.

Benefits

The benefits of obtaining this Pardon/Certificate of Rehabilitation is that you will be eligible for expungement and sealing of your record. You will be able to restore your gun rights, ability to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury and obtain employment with the county. It makes it easier for you to access government aid, get a professional licenses such as nursing certifications, contractor licenses and commercial driving licenses. In addition when considering adoption having a pardon can make the process easier.

How Long Does It Take

The process can take up to 6 to 12 months depending on your case and your convictions. The reason for this lengthy process is because it involves gathering documents and scheduling hearings. This includes an additional investigation of your background by the State Parole Department.

Common Cases

Prostitution, Drug Charges, Burglary, Check Fraud, Robbery, Assault, Domestic Violence, Perjury, Trespassing, DUI, Possession, Sales of Narcotics, Driving on a Suspended License, Manslaughter, Intoxicated in Public, Gun Charges, Conspiracy, Immigration Clearance, Receiving Stolen Property, Petty Theft, Under the Influence and many more.

Welcome to Expunge California Legal Services

A pardon is an act of executive clemency that forgives a person for a crime and restores certain rights they may have lost due to a conviction. It's important to understand that a pardon generally does not erase or expunge a criminal record, but rather serves as an official acknowledgment of forgiveness and often signifies that the individual has demonstrated rehabilitation and become a law-abiding citizen.The specific rights restored by a pardon can vary by jurisdiction, but often include:

The right to vote
The ability to hold public office
Restoration of firearm rights (though this can be complex and depends on the specific offense)
Improved opportunities for licensing, bonding, and employment

Key Difference from Expungement: While expungement aims to legally remove a conviction from a criminal record as if it never happened, a pardon acknowledges the conviction but grants forgiveness.

The Pardon Process

The process for obtaining a pardon varies significantly depending on whether it's a state pardon (granted by a governor for state crimes) or a federal pardon (granted by the President for federal crimes).

Here's a general overview of the process for both:

1. Eligibility Requirements:

Completion of Sentence: In most cases, you must have completed your full sentence, including any incarceration, parole, or probation, and paid all fines, restitution, and fees.
Waiting Period: There's typically a waiting period after completing your sentence before you become eligible to apply for a pardon. This period allows you to demonstrate sustained good conduct and rehabilitation.
Demonstrated Rehabilitation: Pardons are often granted to individuals who have shown exemplary behavior, good moral character, and a commitment to living a productive, law-abiding life since their conviction.

2. Application Process:

Federal Pardons (U.S. President):
- Office of the Pardon Attorney (OPA): The primary pathway for federal pardons is through the Office of the Pardon Attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Formal Application: You submit a detailed application to the OPA, providing information about your conviction, sentence, and reasons for seeking clemency. This often includes character affidavits and documentation of your post-conviction conduct.
- Investigation: The OPA conducts a thorough investigation, which may involve background checks, interviews with you and your references, and gathering input from prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims.
- Recommendation: The OPA prepares a recommendation for the President, who has the ultimate discretion to grant or deny the pardon. The President is not bound by the OPA's recommendation.
- No Obligation to Act: The President is not required to act on any pardon application. The process can be lengthy, taking months or even years.
State Pardons (California Governor):
- Two Main Paths: In California, there are generally two ways to apply for a pardon:
  - Certificate of Rehabilitation (COR): For most people convicted of a felony in California who reside in the state, the first step is to obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation from the Superior Court in their county of residence. If granted, a COR automatically becomes an application for a pardon that is forwarded to the Governor's Office. This process demonstrates that the individual has been rehabilitated.
  - Direct Pardon: Those ineligible for a COR (e.g., individuals living outside California, or those convicted of certain misdemeanors) can apply directly to the Governor's Office for a pardon.
- Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) Investigation: Once a pardon application or certified COR is received by the Governor's Office, it is typically referred to the Board of Parole Hearings for an investigation into the applicant's character and rehabilitation.
- Supreme Court Approval (for multiple felonies): If the applicant has been convicted of two or more felonies in separate proceedings, the California Supreme Court must approve the granting of a full pardon by a vote of four justices.
- Governor's Discretion: The Governor has discretion in granting pardons and is not obligated to do so. Pardons are generally considered an honor for those who have demonstrated exemplary behavior.

Important Considerations:

No Guarantee: Applying for a pardon does not guarantee it will be granted. It is a discretionary act of executive clemency.
Public Record: A pardon, once granted, is generally a public record.

In essence, a pardon is a powerful tool of forgiveness that can help individuals overcome the collateral consequences of a past conviction and fully reintegrate into society.

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