Pardons

Pardons

Criminal records, especially felony records, will hurt you. They can stop you from getting a job you want or a promotion for a better job. They can stop you from getting a license you may need for a career. They can stop you from getting a bank loan for: job training, school, a new car or a new home.They can stop you from living where you want to live, even if you don’t need a loan to live there. They can effect your ability to receive some social services including housing assistance. They can interfere with other opportunities, including international travel.

Fortunately, the State of Connecticut makes it possible for people to erase their criminal records. An absolute (or full) pardon erases all Connecticut criminal records from public view. If granted, you can say you have not been arrested or convicted of a crime in Connecticut. Your Connecticut criminal record will no longer haunt you!

A certificate of employability (COE) (also known as a provisional pardon) does not erase or expunge criminal records. But it can remove barriers to getting certain licenses and employment.

The Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP), in its sole discretion, has exclusive jurisdiction to grant or deny pardons and COEs. Effective August 2016, the pardon process was revised to provide for “expedited pardons review.” If your pardon application qualifies for expedited review, you may be granted an absolute pardon without a hearing.
If your pardon application is denied, there is no appeal to a court or higher authority. Your only option is to re-apply a year or more later.

The Board of Pardons and Paroles has authority to pardon any crimes and offenses committed in Connecticut. This includes felonies, misdemeanors, and violations for which a term of imprisonment may have been imposed.

If you are granted an absolute pardon, you will be given an unconditional pardon certificate. More importantly, your criminal arrest and conviction records will be erased from public view. You will be free to say you have never been arrested or convicted of a crime or offense in Connecticut. Also, you won’t have to disclose your pardoned criminal arrest and conviction record to employers or anyone else.

If you want to maximize the odds that your pardon application will be granted, hire Volz Legal Group to prepare and submit your pardon application. Submitting a properly prepared pardon application to the Board of Pardons is essential to persuading it to grant your pardon or grant you a hearing.

If you are granted a hearing, you need to be well prepared to answer any questions Board members may ask you at the hearing and be prepared to argue your case. Volz Legal Group can prepare you and make sure you are comfortable answering the questions asked. When it comes time to argue to the Board, that is where your attorney can give you an advantage. A well argued case at the hearing can persuade the Board to pardon you. Let an attorney who is well equipped and properly prepared improve your chances of acquiring a pardon so your criminal past doesn’t continue to prohibit you in the future.