While violent felony convictions often face greater restrictions than nonviolent offenses, it is absolutely possible in many circumstances to obtain a pardon for a violent crime in Oklahoma. A pardon will not erase the conviction or declare the person innocent. However, it can serve as official recognition by the State that the individual has been rehabilitated and is deserving of forgiveness. For many individuals with violent felony convictions, a pardon may be one of the most important steps toward rebuilding their future.
What Is a Pardon?
A pardon is an act of executive clemency granted by the Governor of Oklahoma after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Unlike an expungement, a pardon does not remove or seal the conviction from public records. Instead, it serves as official forgiveness for the offense and may restore certain rights and opportunities that were negatively affected by the conviction.
Employers, licensing boards, and other decision-makers often view a pardon as strong evidence of rehabilitation and good character.
Can Violent Felonies Be Pardoned?
Yes. Oklahoma law does not automatically prohibit individuals convicted of violent felonies from applying for a pardon.
Many people have successfully received pardons for offenses that would be classified as violent crimes. The fact that a conviction is violent does not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.
However, violent offenses typically receive greater scrutiny from the Pardon and Parole Board than nonviolent crimes. Applicants should expect a more detailed review of their criminal history, rehabilitation efforts, and post-conviction conduct.
What Factors Are Considered?
When reviewing pardon applications, the Board generally looks at the entire picture rather than focusing solely on the conviction itself.
Factors commonly considered include:
- The nature and seriousness of the offense;
- The amount of time that has passed since conviction;
- Completion of all sentencing requirements;
- Employment history;
- Community involvement;
- Educational achievements;
- Character references;
- Evidence of rehabilitation;
- Absence of new criminal activity.
The longer an applicant has demonstrated responsible and productive behavior since the conviction, the stronger the application often becomes.
Is There a Waiting Period?
In most situations, applicants must complete all terms of their sentence before becoming eligible to apply for a pardon. This generally includes incarceration, probation, parole, payment of fines, restitution, and court costs.
While eligibility rules can vary depending upon the circumstances, many successful applicants have demonstrated years of law-abiding behavior before seeking a pardon.
The passage of time alone is usually not enough. The Board generally wants to see meaningful evidence of rehabilitation.
Can a Pardon Help With an Expungement?
In some cases, yes.
One of the most important benefits of a pardon is that it may create future expungement opportunities that would not otherwise exist. Oklahoma’s expungement statutes allow certain pardoned felony convictions to become eligible for record sealing under circumstances that previously would have prevented expungement.
For individuals with violent felony convictions, a pardon may be the first step toward eventually obtaining additional relief.
What Does a Pardon Not Do?
Many people misunderstand what a pardon accomplishes.
A pardon generally does not:
- Erase the conviction;
- Seal court records;
- Declare the person innocent;
- Remove all collateral consequences automatically.
The conviction typically remains visible on a criminal history report unless a separate expungement is later obtained.
Nevertheless, a pardon remains a significant form of relief and can substantially improve employment, licensing, and professional opportunities.
Are Some Pardons More Difficult Than Others?
Generally, yes.
While a violent crime can get a pardon, offenses involving serious bodily injury, homicide, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and crimes involving vulnerable victims often receive heightened scrutiny.
That does not mean a pardon is impossible. It simply means applicants should expect a thorough review and prepare a strong application that demonstrates rehabilitation, accountability, and positive contributions to society.
Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Can Help
The pardon process involves gathering records, preparing the application, obtaining supporting documentation, and presenting a compelling case for clemency. If you have a violent crime conviction and are seeking a second chance, a pardon may be available. An experienced Oklahoma pardon attorney can review your circumstances and help determine whether pursuing executive clemency is the right step for your situation. If you need help, call our team at Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm at (918) 416-0358 or contact us online for a free consultation.