In December of 2023, the Board of Pardons expanded their Expedited Pardon Review Program. A constant complaint about applying for a pardon is the length of the process. The Board itself says a typical application takes 3 to 4 years to hear. Every year the Board says this process will be sped up; however, with more people applying for pardons, the time frame never seems to improve.
At first, just for marijuana offenses.
To help combat the timing issue, the Board of Pardons created an expedited program for cases involving marijuana offenses. With the passage of medical marijuana and the expanding social acceptance of its usage, the Board sympathized with individuals who were hampered due to convictions for marijuana offenses. Acts that were crimes years ago are now legal. This expanded program helped thousands clear marijuana offenses off their records.
Now, many more convictions are eligible for expedited pardon!
The Board recognizes the success of the expedited pardon program and has recently expanded those eligible to apply. With these changes, the Board enforces strict time frames to help manage the number of new applications.
| When to Apply | Limit on # of Cases | Eligible Offenses |
| 5 years from applicant’s last contact with criminal justice system | Only one case on application | Retail Theft (M1 or M2), Marijuana Offenses (a16, a31, a32) |
| 10 years from applicant’s last contact with criminal justice system | Only one case on application | Any offenses NOT listed as a Disqualifying Offense |
| 15 years from applicant’s last contact with criminal justice system | More than one case on application | Any offenses NOT listed as a Disqualifying Offense |
What offenses are included or excluded in the process?
Rather than create a list of eligible offenses, the Board created a long list of Disqualifying Offenses for Expedited Review. This list is not exhaustive, but some common ineligible offenses are:
- 1) any offense involving unlawful possession or use of a firearm,
- 2) any offense under Chapter 27 relating to assaults,
- 3) arson,
- 4) robbery,
- 5) corruption of minors,
- 6) endangering the welfare of a child,
- 7) aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, and
- 8) homicide by vehicle while DUI.
An ineligible offense does not mean that you cannot get a pardon. It simply means that you aren’t eligible for the expedited process whereby the pardon could be granted more quickly.
What is the Board looking for?
The Board of Pardons is seeking out candidates who have fulfilled their sentence, paid their costs in full and shown remorse for their actions. Candidates should have received treatment for any drug and/or alcohol issues or mental health issues. Candidates should also be prepared to explain to the board why they are in need of a pardon. Is the conviction hampering their career, are they in need of security clearances, or do they simply seek to clear their good name?
Are you entitled to an expedited pardon?
Call us at 215-997-1000 for a free consultation to discuss your case. The attorneys at Fairlie & Lippy have obtained many pardons and offer unparalleled legal representation throughout each step of the process. As proof of our expertise, read what we’ve written about Pennsylvania Pardons on our page dedicated to the pardon process!
Or contact me privately:
steve@fairlielaw.com
(215) 997–1000