A Governor’s Pardon Can Really Help
There are times when the Oklahoma governor’s pardon is a prerequisite to getting an expungement.
However, pardons are not a sealing of your court records. Pardons recognize that the crime was committed, but the crime is forgiven by the state governor.
In addition to helping you obtain a later expungement, a pardon can help you own, work with, or obtain firearms if your underlying conviction was not violent. It allows you to vote again, and it may help you obtain or renew professional licenses.
A pardon on your record shows that the governor is welcoming you back to full citizenship in society.
A Lengthy and Complicated Process
A pardon requires the completion of a lengthy application. Also, it is difficult to qualify for a governor’s pardon in Tulsa.
In order to qualify, you must have completed all aspects of the court’s sentence. Also, the underlying conviction must have been a violation of Oklahoma state law.
In addition, there must not be any pending charges against you. You may not currently be in jail or prison. Finally, you must not have applied for a pardon within the past year.
The application is long and very detailed. You must attach certified copies of all required court documents and proof that you have a job, are earning an income, and have a stable living situation.
Here are the required documents:
- A certified copy of the judgment and sentence for each conviction you are seeking to have pardoned. Each must have an original county seal or stamp.
- A certified court clerk’s statement that all fines, fees, costs, restitution, and probation fees have been paid.
- A current credit report.
- Proof of current income or employment.
- Proof of residence.
You may also submit declarations regarding your character. These are not required, but can add greatly to your application.
Potential Issues
Problems occur when there are mistakes in the substance of the application or when a required document is not submitted. In that case, the application is rejected and you must wait another year before applying again.
Because these applications are so technical, it is always advisable to have an attorney handle them on your behalf.
Once the application is completed and filed with the Pardon Board, an investigation, which can take almost a year, begins. All the information submitted in your application must be verified.
Once verified, the pardon is set for hearing. Time for testimony is severely limited. Therefore, it is always best to have an attorney address the matter at the hearing.
It is only then that the matter is turned over to the governor’s office for a decision. The governor may take as long as three months to reach a decision on your case.
Once granted, a pardon certificate is filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office. A notice is sent to you or to your attorney.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Pardon Attorney
Regain your peace of mind. An experienced Tulsa pardon attorney can help you move on with your life.
Contact the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm by calling 918-756-9600 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
If you prefer, you can use the box in the upper right-hand corner of this page to send a question or brief message.