If you are looking to regain certain civil liberties following a conviction, you may consider applying for a pardon. In South Carolina, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services can grant pardons, not the Governor. You must have completed your sentence and at least five years of parole to be eligible.
Even if you do not qualify for an expungement, our Greenville pardons attorneys may be able to assist you in obtaining a pardon. Consult our firm today to learn about your options to lighten the burden of your criminal conviction.
Pardon Eligibility
To be eligible for a pardon, you must have successfully completed five years of community supervision (parole). If you were discharged from probation or your sentence was discharged, then you are also eligible to be pardoned. Under SC Code §17-25-322, all restitution and court fees must be paid in full at the time that you apply.
Benefits of Obtaining a Pardon
With a conviction having many collateral consequences, obtaining a pardon can restore your constitutional rights. Some of the benefits that come with being pardoned include:
- The right to apply for or renew professional licensure
- Restoration of your firearm privileges
- The ability to access suitable housing
- The ability to secure favorable employment
- Restoration of your voting rights
- The right to hold public office
- The right to serve on a jury
Applying for a Pardon
The pardons application in South Carolina involves acquiring written letters of support, filling out your personal information, and paying an application fee. Acquiring letters of support is a crucial piece of your application since it reflects upon your character, showing the pardons board that you will likely not relapse into criminal behavior. The process also involves submitting a non-refundable $100 application fee.
Following your application, you may need to appear before the South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons to make a formal request. The board is composed of seven members who will hear your case and make a final decision.
Should I Hire an Attorney to Assist Me in Getting a Pardon?
If you are considering applying for a pardon, you need experienced counsel to handle your request from start to finish. The state is strict when it comes to pardon protocols.
At Ryan Beasley Law, our attorneys provide a meticulous approach when it comes to exploring your legal options to extinguish your record. We will first examine whether an expungement is possible in your situation.
Slightly different from a pardon, an expungement erases a criminal record, making it no longer visible to the public. An expungement is available in certain circumstances, such as if your charge was dismissed, you received a not-guilty verdict, or you were not prosecuted under the law.
Not all convictions can be expunged, but this relief might be available for most misdemeanors and certain felonies. The state has strict guidelines regarding how long an individual must wait (depending on the crime). If an expungement is not available to you, then our team will explore the process of getting your criminal offense pardoned. We make it our mission to explore all avenues to determine what legal options are right for you.
Compassionate Counsel When You Need It Most in Greenville
A past transgression should not affect your entire future. Often, the ramifications can be far-reaching, impacting your ability to live life to the fullest. If you are ready to find out what our team of accomplished attorneys can do for you, do not hesitate to contact our firm. To schedule a meeting with a Greenville, SC, pardons attorney, contact us online or by calling (864)679-7777 today.
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