How to write a pardon letter?
Asked by: Dorothy Wilkinson | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (19 votes)
To write a pardon letter, clearly address the pardon board or authority, introduce yourself and your relationship to the applicant, explain why they deserve a pardon by detailing positive changes, community contributions, and remorse, and conclude by urging them to grant the pardon, ensuring sincerity, honesty, and a focus on personal growth and future potential.
What crimes cannot be pardoned?
The President of the United States may pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the United States. They may also pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the District of Columbia. The president cannot grant pardons for violations of state laws.
What is a good reason to ask for a pardon?
it may restore your ability to serve as a juror, it restores your ability to hold public office, it restores your ability to legally possess a firearm, it restores your ability to volunteer in certain settings, and.
What are common reasons for pardons?
In general, a pardon is granted on the basis of the petitioner's demonstrated good conduct for a substantial period of time after conviction and service of sentence.
What is better than a pardon?
The choice between expungement and a pardon depends on your goals and circumstances: If you want to completely erase a criminal record, expungement is the better option.
3 Ways To Write A Pardon Letter | Life Hacks
Are you still guilty if you are pardoned?
A pardon is an expression of the president's forgiveness and ordinarily is granted in recognition of the applicant's acceptance of responsibility for the crime and established good conduct for a significant period of time after conviction or completion of sentence. It does not signify innocence.
How many people did Trump pardon?
List of people granted executive clemency in the second Trump presidency. In his role as the 47th president of the United States (January 20, 2025 – present), Donald Trump granted executive clemency to more than 1,600 individuals as of July 23, 2025, all of whom were charged or convicted of federal criminal offenses.
How do I address a pardon letter?
In state pardon cases, you can simply address your letter to the state pardon board, but be sure to use the board's official title.
How do you write a strong letter of support?
Most letters have three parts: an opening statement that identifies the project/program where funds are being sought, one or two middle paragraphs that indicate the relationship of the writer to the effort seeking funding, and a closing statement. Be sure all your supporters address the same person at the same address.
How much does it cost to get pardoned?
Applications generally will not be considered unless the applicant has been discharged from probation or parole for at least 10 years without further criminal activity during that period. There is no fee for applying for a pardon.
How to write a clemency letter?
The letter should focus on the convicted individual's positive attributes and the reasons why they deserve clemency. It should also include any relevant supporting documentation, such as letters of support from friends, family, or community members.
Does a pardon erase a felony?
A pardon does not erase or obliterate the fact that one was once convicted of a crime. A pardon does not substitute a good reputation for one that is bad.
What happens to your record when you are pardoned?
A pardon has many benefits, but it does not erase your criminal history. Potential employers will still see the conviction when performing a background check, and the criminal record will appear in all publicly accessible databases.
What are the two types of pardons?
There are two ways to apply for a pardon in California: by Certificate of Rehabilitation or a direct pardon.
What can I say instead of pardon?
Synonyms of pardon
- forgiveness.
- amnesty.
- absolution.
- immunity.
- remission.
- parole.
- remittal.
- acquittal.