When you are found guilty of a crime, the consequences of your conviction and the resulting criminal record can haunt you for a lifetime. A conviction can remain a black mark on your name anytime a background check is run on you. It may also hurt your chances of renting an apartment or getting a college admission.
If you have been convicted of a felony offense in a state, federal or military court, and have exhausted all your appeal options, a pardon may be your only avenue for relief from the consequences of your conviction. A pardon is an expression of forgiveness and it is granted in recognition of the convict’s acceptance of responsibility for the offense. A pardon is granted at the discretion of the executive and does not in any way signify the recipient’s innocence.
Here are a couple of things you can do to boost your chances of getting a pardon.
Be productive
If you do not have a job, it is important that you consider getting one even if it is part-time. Employment history plays a major part in the pardon application. If your interest is in a particular field, try to secure an internship. You will increase your chances of getting a pardon if you can prove that you are a productive member of society. And if you cannot find work, consider volunteering your time and skills in activities or organizations that improve the welfare of your community.
Make a conscious decision to improve self
It is important that you work on improving or mending your relationship with the people around you. If your criminal record is affecting your relationship, figure out how to turn your life around. Reach out to people you have had differences with and patch things up. Also, drop toxic relationships or people who are likely to influence you in the wrong direction. Remember, your chances of getting a pardon will be higher if you can demonstrate significant rehabilitative conduct upon completion of your sentence.
A pardon can provide a much-needed relief when you have exhausted all your legal options following a conviction. Understanding the factors that come into play when assessing your pardon appeal can greatly improve your chances of getting the outcome you are hoping for and have a fresh start in life.