Everyone Deserves a Second Chance
Nobody’s past should be held against them forever. Recognizing this basic fairness, Oklahoma law allows those convicted of misdemeanors or felonies to apply for a pardon. However, there are certain requirements you need to meet to be eligible – mere assertions of innocence or even sincere repentance, won’t be enough. A Claremore pardon attorney can help you navigate the paperwork and meet the requirements to help you obtain a pardon in Oklahoma.
How Do I Get a Full and Complete Pardon in Oklahoma?
Here is a rundown of the requirements needed to obtain a pardon in Oklahoma:
- Accept Responsibility — One of the most crucial requirements for a pardon is that the offender takes responsibility for their actions. Assertions of innocence won’t be accepted by the board. They are searching for signs of contrition that show the person in front of them has taken responsibility for the crime for which they were found guilty and made amends.
- No Previous Petitions — It’s important to submit an Oklahoma pardon petition correctly the first time. Failure to do so, due to missing paperwork, can lead to your application being rejected. If this happens, you’ll have to wait a full year before you can apply again. This is one reason it’s a good idea to enlist the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma.
- No Pending Charges — If you’ve been detained or accused of a subsequent offense, your petition may be rejected. This is regardless of whether you’re ultimately found innocent or if the new accusations are ultimately dropped.
- Not Currently Serving Time — Oklahoma pardons can only be granted to those who have already served their sentence.
- Criminal Conviction — Naturally, pardons are for those with convicted offenses. If you have not been found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, you can’t be pardoned.
- Full Criminal History Report — When deciding whether to grant your petition, the Pardon and Parole Board considers more than just the paperwork you provide. The Board and the Department of Corrections both use the tools at their disposal as public agencies to full investigate you – if they find you’ve excluded any arrests or charges, even if they are old or from another state, your petition will be rejected.
- Credit Status and Civil Litigation — You must record outstanding federal, state, and local taxes; list all past-due credit card debt; and list all legal procedures in which you are a party, including bankruptcy filings. Additionally, you must document all delinquent credit commitments. You are free to submit whatever supporting documentation you choose.
- References — The Probation and Parole Board want to know who you are as a person. That means you need to find and include attestations to your good character from three non-relatives to the Board.
- Required Documents — A complete pardon petition must include a certified Judgment and Sentence for each conviction, a current credit report, proof of employment (or a statement that you’re not working), proof of residence, and a certified statement from the Court Clerk that all fines and court costs have been paid.
Initial Consultation With a Pardon Attorney in Claremore
If you’re ready to move on with your life and want to explore the possibility of a pardon, the Wirth Law Office – Claremore is ready to help. Contact us at 918-213-0950 to schedule yourinitial strategy session with an Oklahoma pardon attorney.
You may also submit the question form at the top right of this page.
