If you have been convicted of a crime in Connecticut, you may be wondering whether you are eligible for a pardon. Pursuing a pardon can open new doors for you and improve your opportunities. You can pursue more career options and improve your personal relationships by securing a pardon, which will result in a clear criminal record. A pardon will completely and permanently erase your criminal history. When you obtain a pardon, it is as if you never committed a crime.

The Benefits of Working with a Connecticut Pardon Attorney

Successfully obtaining a pardon is not easy and involves an application process that can be frustrating and confusing. You will need to fill out multiple forms and submit documentation showing that you deserve to receive a full pardon. For this reason, it is important that you work with a criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the process. If you would like the process to be easier and to increase the likelihood that you will be successful, working with an experienced attorney can help you significantly.

Who Is Eligible for a Pardon in Connecticut

Anyone convicted of a crime in Connecticut is eligible for a pardon after the passage of conviction . However, in practice, the more serious the offense, the more challenging it can be to have a pardon granted. It does not mean you should not consider the possibility of a pardon if you have committed a more serious crime. The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole does evaluate each application for a pardon on a case-by-case basis.

A skilled attorney can help you present the best case possible in favor of a pardon. You will need to fulfill the waiting period to pursue a pardon application. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, the waiting period is three years from your conviction. For felony offenses, it is five years from the conviction. The relevant waiting periods apply to your most recent conviction. Finally, if you are incarcerated or currently facing criminal charges, you will not be eligible to pursue a pardon.

Which Crimes Will Be Pardoned?

You cannot select which convictions you would like to be pardoned if you have multiple criminal convictions on your record. When you apply for a pardon, you request that the board erase your criminal record. Suppose you have several misdemeanor convictions and a felony conviction. In that case, receiving a pardon may be more challenging because of the felony conviction, especially if it involved a violent crime.

Expungement Pardon (also known as a Full Pardon)

There are different types of pardons in Connecticut. An expungement pardon is also called a full pardon. Those who receive an expungement pardon will have their total criminal record erased. The criminal record won’t be discoverable through background checks or other public records. The board may choose to grant a full pardon or base the pardon on specific requirements the applicant needs to meet, or he or she will risk the pardon being revoked.

Provisional Pardon

A provisional pardon is also called a certificate of employability. Those who receive a provisional pardon will receive a partial pardon. A provisional pardon will help the applicant find future employment. With a provisional pardon, employers cannot reject you from potential jobs because of your criminal conviction or convictions. These pardons can help individuals earn a living and better support themselves.This pardon conveys to the Board that you are employable, and that your criminal record should not be taken into account as to future employment decisions. 

Expedited Pardon

An expedited pardon allows the board to grant a full pardon without a hearing. Instead of undergoing a hearing, the applicant can submit a written application, and the board can choose to issue a full pardon. Expedited pardons are only available for those convicted of nonviolent offenses in which no victims may be interested in the pardon. While this is a newer option in Connecticut, feel free to contact our office to discuss the different advantages to different types of pardons. 

Contact an Experienced Connecticut Pardons Attorney

At The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC, we understand that obtaining a pardon can change your life significantly in multiple ways. The process can be complicated, but having a cleared criminal record can be worth the effort of obtaining a pardon. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can make the process infinitely smoother for you. The Connecticut defense attorneys at Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC understand the value of obtaining a pardon, and we will fight for you throughout the process. Contact The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC, to schedule an issue consultation and learn more about how we can help you through the pardon process.