Who is Eligible to Apply for a Pardon in South Carolina?
Once you have served time and paid fines and/or restitution for a past transgression, you may think that your punishment is over. This could not be further from the truth, with many crimes involving collateral consequences that could affect the rest of your life. With the loss of several civil rights, it may be in your best interest to apply for a pardon. South Carolina has strict laws regarding eligibility, so it is best that you speak with a Greenville, SC, pardons attorney from Ryan Beasley Law if you are interested in learning more.
Pardon Eligibility in South Carolina
Parolees/Probationers
In general, probationers may be eligible to be pardoned after being discharged from supervision. Parolees will be considered eligible once they have completed five years under supervision or paid restitution in full. If the parole period is less than five years, then evidence of the discharge date will be required.
Persons Discharged from a Sentence
If an individual is discharged, then pardon eligibility will begin anytime after the discharge date.
Inmates
Inmates must meet different criteria, including if they have extraordinary circumstances or a terminal illness that results in a maximum of one year of life expectancy. In both cases, all restitution must be paid in full. An inmate diagnosed with a terminal illness must attach two physician’s statements demonstrating medical evidence of the individual’s reduced life expectancy.
Who Grants Pardons in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, only the Board of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services is allowed to grant pardons. The board is composed of seven members. Unlike other states in which the Governor has the authority to issue a pardon, in South Carolina, the Governor is only given the power to commute a death sentence to a life sentence, not to grant pardons.
How Long Does the Pardon Process Take?
As part of your application, you will need to submit letters of support from people who are unrelated to you. These letters must be dated within the past six months, speaking to your character and why the person believes that you should be pardoned. The application will require you to fill out your personal information with detailed questions, accompanied by a $100 non-refundable fee. If any of your paperwork is completed incorrectly or there is missing information, this could result in your pardon being denied.
Once your application is submitted, you can expect to be scheduled for a pardon hearing within 7-9 months. After reviewing your case, two-thirds of the members must approve your request for you to be granted a pardon.
Knowledgeable Counsel in Navigating the Pardons Process
When applying for a pardon, the Board of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services nor the Governor’s Office can offer you legal advice. If you are considering applying for a pardon, having dependable counsel can make all the difference. At Ryan Beasley Law, we provide our clients with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision. If you are looking for guidance to help streamline the process, look no further than our legal team.
Ready to Get Started? Contact Our Greenville, SC Pardons Attorneys
A conviction can have many unforeseen consequences, which can quickly derail your career and personal life. At Ryan Beasley Law, we are committed to helping give our clients a new lease on life. If you want to give yourself peace of mind, hiring representation can do just that, ensuring that all paperwork is filled out correctly.
To schedule a consultation with a Greenville, SC pardons attorney, contact us by calling (864) 679-7777 or by completing our online intake form.