PARDONS

There are three types of pardons:

 

(1) A Simple Pardon, which is a statement of official forgiveness. While it does not expunge (remove the conviction from) the record, it often serves as a means for the petitioner to advance in employment, education, and self-esteem. Evidence of good citizenship is required, as are favorable recommendations from the officials involved in the case and from the Virginia Parole Board.

 

(2) A Conditional Pardon, which is available only to people who are currently incarcerated. It is usually granted for early release and involves certain conditions. If a petitioner violates these conditions, he could be put back in prison. There must be extraordinary circumstances for an inmate to be considered for such a pardon.

 

(3) An Absolute Pardon, which is rarely granted because it is based on the belief that the petitioner was unjustly convicted and is innocent. An absolute pardon is the only form of executive clemency that would allow a petitioner to petition the court to have that conviction removed from your criminal record. All petitions for pardon require the petitioner to send the Governor a letter clearly stating a request for pardon, and what type of pardon the petitioner wishes to be granted. Our firm has specialists who can work with the client and family to assemble a strong pardon application.

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