If at least five years have passed since you were sentenced, you can apply for a presidential pardon.Even if you meet the qualification criteria, you are not guaranteed a pardon even if the President grants it.You need to gather information about your convictions to apply.
Step 1: Check if you are eligible.
You need to have been convicted of a federal offense or of an offense in the District of Columbia in order to get a Presidential pardon.The state conviction cannot be pardoned by the President.Only the Governor can pardon state convictions.You have to wait at least five years after your release from confinement.The five year waiting period begins if you were not confined.
Step 2: Be ready to take responsibility for the crime.
The purpose of a pardon is to forgive someone for their crimes and to recognize that they have accepted responsibility.You can't shirk your responsibility for the crime in the pardon process.
Step 3: Understand the factors taken into account.
In order to make a decision on whether or not to grant a pardon, officials will thoroughly review your application.The factors considered in determining your worthiness for a pardon include nature, recentness, and seriousness of the offense and the extent of your involvement with community service or other charitable activities.
Step 4: Required information needs to be collected.
You will need to answer questions about your criminal history as part of the application.Above and beyond the crime that you are seeking to be pardoned for, this includes all crimes, such as traffic tickets.All federal, state, local, and foreign governments should provide complete arrest records for you.You can get a copy of your criminal record by calling the police.Review Your Criminal Record contains tips on how to get your criminal records.You have to report delinquent credit obligations if you dispute them.These obligations include child support, taxes, and credit accounts.You have to report any civil lawsuits you have been involved in.
Step 5: Support character references should be asked for.
You should submit at least three character reference affidavits.The affidavit form will be part of the application.You cannot use anyone who is related to you by blood or marriage in your references.Try to get letters from employers, leaders of volunteer or religious organizations, or people in the community who can attest to your changed character.Give your references enough time to write a reference for you.
Step 6: You should meet with a lawyer.
Before applying for a Presidential pardon, you should meet with a lawyer.You want to make the strongest case you can, because pardons are granted at the discretion of the President.Your lawyer can help you fill out your application and find appropriate character references.If you want to find a qualified post-conviction attorney, you should visit your state bar association.Ask your criminal defense lawyer for recommendations.
Step 7: Get the application.
The pardon application can be found at http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/pardon.If you want to fill in the information before printing, you can either download the application or print it off.
Step 8: You have to complete the application.
Provide all the information requested.Also make sure that the information is legible.The application is very detailed.Your name and contact information are requested.You were released on the dates that were ordered by the court.The offenses you are seeking a pardon for.A description of your involvement in the crime.You need to be honest about your involvement, but not minimize your guilt.You are not seeking a pardon for any other criminal offenses.There is information on your spouse and children.Employment information after a conviction or release.There is a history of substance abuse.Whether you have been in default, have liens on your property, or have bankruptcies, you should have financial information.There are reasons for seeking the pardon.You need to express your remorse for the crime.As you draft this section, you should work with a lawyer.
Step 9: The application must be notarized.
You must have the application notarized after you have completed it.You can find notaries at your local courthouse, county clerk's office, or most large banks.The American Society of Notaries has a locator on their website.Bringing enough personal identification is required to show the notary.A valid driver's license is needed.
Step 10: Please submit the application.
The Office of the Pardon Attorney is where you should send your application.The address is in Washington, D.C.The application can't be submitted electronically or by fax.You have to mail the original application with your signature.There is no fee for applying.
Step 11: Wait to hear a decision.
pardon officials will conduct a background check after you submit your application.You won't be updated on the status of the investigation because it could take a long time.There are no formal hearings for the federal pardon process.Along with any character references, an investigator may interview you.Other people may be interviewed by the investigator.You might not be told the reason why if you are denied.The President doesn't have to give reasons why he grants or denies pardons.There is no appeal process if you are denied a pardon.You will have to submit a new application.