Our Oklahoma Pardon Lawyers get the job done. If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering about the possibility of getting a pardon. A pardon is an official forgiveness for committing a crime, but it’s more than just a symbolic gesture. It can have real, tangible benefits for your life moving forward.
Understanding the Pardon
In Oklahoma, a pardon is an act of clemency that officially forgives you for the crime you were convicted of. It is granted by the Governor, based on a recommendation from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. A pardon does not erase your criminal record, but it does restore rights and signals that the state has forgiven your crime.
The Benefits of a Pardon
Restoration of Rights
One of the most significant benefits of a pardon and expungement in Oklahoma is the restoration of rights. This includes the right to vote, the right to hold public office, and the right to serve as a juror. If your conviction involved a felony, a pardon also restores your right to own firearms, which is a right that is automatically lost following a felony conviction in Oklahoma.
Employment Opportunities
A pardon can greatly improve your employment prospects. Many employers hesitate to hire someone with a criminal record, particularly if the position involves trust or handling money. While a pardon does not remove your criminal record, it does show potential employers that you have been officially forgiven and deemed trustworthy again. This can make you a more appealing candidate for jobs.
Housing and Other Benefits
Besides employment, a pardon can help in other areas of your life. For example, some housing authorities and landlords may be more willing to rent to you if you have a pardon. Additionally, being pardoned can make it easier to obtain professional licenses and educational opportunities that might otherwise be closed off because of a criminal record.
The Process of Obtaining a Pardon in Oklahoma
Eligibility and Application
To apply for a pardon in Oklahoma, you must first ensure that you are eligible. You should have completed all the terms of your sentence, including any parole or probation periods. It’s also important that you have shown good behavior since your conviction. The application process involves filling out detailed forms and often requires gathering supportive documents, such as character references or proof of rehabilitation.
Review by the Pardon and Parole Board
Once you submit your application, it goes to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. The Board reviews all applications and conducts hearings where they consider each case. They look at factors like the nature of the crime, the time since the conviction, your behavior since the crime, and your reasons for seeking a pardon.
The Governor’s Decision
After reviewing your case, the Board recommends action to the Governor, who has the final say. The Governor can either follow the recommendation of the Board or choose a different course of action. If the Governor agrees to grant the pardon, you will receive an official document stating that you are forgiven by the state of Oklahoma.
Long-Term Impact of a Pardon
While a pardon is a powerful tool for moving past a criminal conviction, it’s important to understand that it does not erase your criminal record. The record of your conviction will still exist, but it will show that a pardon was granted. This can be very important when you need to explain your past in situations where your criminal record is checked.
Misconceptions About Pardons
Many people think that a pardon will completely erase their criminal record, but this is not the case. A pardon forgives but does not forget. Another common misunderstanding is that pardons are automatically granted after a certain period or that they are guaranteed if you apply. In reality, each case is carefully reviewed, and not everyone who applies will receive a pardon.
Oklahoma Pardon Lawyers Near You
Applying for a pardon in Oklahoma is a serious step that can offer significant benefits if you are trying to rebuild your life after a conviction. While the process can be lengthy and there is no guarantee of success, the potential to regain rights and improve your standing in the community makes it a worthwhile endeavor for many. Our Oklahoma pardon lawyers tackle all the steps and paperwork involved. To discuss your case, contact Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm by calling (918) 416-0358 or contacting us online for a consultation.