What is a “pardon” and does it get rid of my criminal record?
A pardon is forgiveness by the Governor of Ohio for a crime committed. For those who have lived law-abiding post-conviction lives, a pardon may:
- Open up different opportunities for employment that were otherwise prohibited such as certain healthcare and teaching positions;
- Restore your ability to volunteer in certain settings such as a younger family member’s sport team;
- Restore your ability to hold public office such as city council or school board;
- Restore the ability to legally possess a firearm; and
- Affirm the positive changes you’ve made in your life.
A pardon may also include the sealing of records related to the conviction, if the records are related to an offense that is eligible to be sealed (Ohio Revised Code 2967.04(C)).
Are there different types of pardons?
Ohio has two paths to applying for a pardon—(1) Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project; and (2) traditional clemency.
What is the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project?
The project seeks to reduce challenges surrounding a clemency application in Ohio for people meeting certain criteria who can show that they have been rehabilitated and have contributed positively to their communities after completing their sentences.
To apply to participate in the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, rehabilitated citizens must meet the following criteria:
- The person must have completed the sentence for the Ohio conviction(s) for which they are seeking a pardon at least 10 years ago.
- The person must not have committed any additional crimes in at least the past 10 years, including DUI and OVI which are considered criminal offenses. Minor traffic citations are ok during this period.
- The person must not have been convicted of any disqualifying offenses (including some crimes of violence and sexual crimes).
- The person must have made good faith efforts to meet all requirements of sentencing, such as the payment of fines or restitution.
- The person must have a post-offense employment history or a compelling reason why they have not been employed.
- The person must have some history of performing volunteer work or community service.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the project. The Project Team has discretion to decline applications that do not align with the mission of the project.
The Ohio Parole Board investigates, holds hearings on applications, and submits recommendation reports to the Governor. One of the factors the Board takes into account is the applicant’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the offense. Only the Governor has the authority to decide to grant or deny a pardon.
You can learn more about the expedited pardon eligibility criteria and application process here: https://www.ohioexpeditedpardon.org/
If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply for an expedited pardon, you may still apply for a pardon through the “traditional clemency application.”
What is a traditional clemency application?
The application to ask for a traditional pardon is called an “application for clemency.” These applications must be in writing and must be sent to the Adult Parole Authority (Ohio Revised Code 2967.07).
The Ohio Parole Board, a part of the Adult Parole Authority, processes all clemency applications.
The Parole Board reviews all written applications, and decides whether to further consider the merits of an application at a hearing or submit an unfavorable recommendation to the Governor without further consideration.
Hearings are conducted when the application appears to have merit. The hearing allows for the opportunity for the Parole Board to meet with the applicant and to provide statutory notice to interested parties, who may also choose to attend the hearing.
After reviewing the case, the Parole Board gives the Governor a recommendation. Again, the Governor will be the one to decide whether to grant or deny the pardon.
You can learn more about traditional clemency on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's website: https://drc.ohio.gov/systems-and-services/1-parole/clemency/clemency
Updated January 15, 2025