Pardons in Georgia: |”What You Need to Know”

Article’s Introduction 

A pardon is an official act of forgiveness for a crime that has been committed. In the state of Georgia, pardons are granted by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

To be eligible for a pardon in Georgia, a convicted felon must have completed all of their sentences and waited at least five years since their release from prison. They must also have lived a law-abiding life during those five years.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles will consider a number of factors when deciding whether to grant a pardon, including:

* The nature of the crime that was committed

* The applicant's criminal history

* The applicant's conduct since their release from prison

* The applicant's plans for the future

If the State Board of Pardons and Paroles grants a pardon, it will remove the conviction from the applicant's criminal record. This can make it easier for the applicant to find employment and housing, and to participate in certain activities, such as voting and holding public office.

Pardons are not automatic in Georgia. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has the discretion to grant or deny a pardon based on the specific facts of each case.

If you are interested in applying for a pardon in Georgia, you can find more information on the State Board of Pardons and Paroles website. https://pap.georgia.gov/

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about pardons in Georgia

* A pardon does not expunge a criminal record. The conviction will still be visible to law enforcement and employers who conduct background checks.

* A pardon does not restore all of the rights that were lost as a result of the conviction. For example, a person who is pardoned for a felony may still not be able to own a gun or vote in some states.

* The process of applying for a pardon can be long and expensive. It is important to have an experienced attorney help you with your application.

If you have been convicted of a crime in Georgia, you may be eligible for a pardon. A pardon can help you to rebuild your life and move on from your past. If you are interested in applying for a pardon, I encourage you to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case.

Summary of Pardons Requirements in Georgia

A pardon is a government decision that allows someone convicted of a crime to be free of the punishment. In Georgia, the power to grant pardons is vested in the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Here are some key points you should know about pardons in Georgia:

1. Eligibility:  In general, to be eligible for a pardon in Georgia, a person must have completed all sentences at least five years prior to applying for a pardon. They must have lived a law-abiding life during that period and have no pending criminal charges or probation.

2. Types of Pardons:  There are two types of pardons in Georgia: an Unconditional or Full Pardon, and a Pardon with Restoration of Firearms Rights. An Unconditional Pardon is an official forgiveness of the crime and the associated penalty. A Pardon with Restoration of Firearms Rights, as the name suggests, restores the right to own a firearm.

3. Process:  The process to apply for a pardon in Georgia involves filling out an application and submitting it to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Board then reviews the application, conducts an investigation, and makes a decision.

4. Effects of a Pardon: A pardon in Georgia does not expunge or erase the conviction from your criminal record. However, it is an official statement of forgiveness from the state and can make it easier to obtain employment or housing. It's also important to note that a pardon restores civil rights, like the right to run for public office, serve on a jury, or be a notary public.

5. Limitations:  It's essential to know that a pardon does not guarantee that licensing agencies and other legal entities must disregard the conviction. Also, the Board cannot grant a pardon for a federal conviction or a conviction from another state.

Remember, seeking a pardon is a serious legal process and may require the assistance of a legal professional to ensure the process is handled correctly.