The statewide Pardon Project (of which we are a part) was founded in 2018. The organization was inspired by the belief that the clemency process in the United States is broken and in need of reform. The founders recognized that many people who are eligible for clemency are unable to navigate the complex and opaque application process, and that those who do apply are often denied without explanation.

The Pardon Project of Erie County was started in 2021, with the enthusiastic support of the Court, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Erie County Bar Association. Gannon University opened our Hub in 2023, and we now help our clients on campus and over the phone. Antonio Howard serves as Pardon & Commutation Hub Coordinator. Peter Agresti, Esquire, serves as the Gannon Hub Supervisor.

We are part of a large and growing statewide network of Pardon Projects.

The Pardon Project provides legal assistance to individuals seeking clemency. The organization’s team of community volunteers, attorneys, pre-law students, and advocates work with clients to prepare compelling applications that highlight the unique circumstances of each case. The Pardon Project also provides guidance on how to obtain necessary supporting documentation, such as letters of support and character references.

“Pardon Hubs” are locations where the staff can answer many if not all your questions and help you through the process. Gannon University is a hub available to the residents of Erie County, or to those who were convicted in Erie County.

At Gannon, we are dedicated to excellence not only through teaching and scholarship, but through service. Gannon University’s role as a Pardon Hub is another way the university is working towards its vision to address the health needs of a global society. In our partnership with the Pardon Project, Gannon keeps the school’s core beliefs of knowledge, innovation, and especially social responsibility, alive and thriving.

The Hub includes:
-A physical site on campus to serve as an office equipped with a computer
-Accessible to volunteers and clients who have an appointment
-Sufficient room to meet with clients and have Pardon Coaches review the process
-CONFIDENTIALITY FOR EVERYONE

We provide Pardon Coaches for free to people who reside in Erie County (or were convicted here). We give priority to those who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines ($27,180/year for an individual, $55,500/year for a family of 4) and who have completed their sentences for non-violent crimes at least five years ago. The only cost that those over that income guideline are responsible for is getting their records From the Court.

The Pardon Process is simple and straightforward. We help you complete the application and mail it in. Next comes an investigation by the Department of Corrections, which will include interviews usually by phone. Then comes a haring before the Board of Pardons, which is done by zoom. And then, it’s all up to the Governor to decide. You can use the links near the bottom of this page to learn more.

The process takes too long – often 3-4 years – but it’s getting shorter. And while the time is passing, you can be doing things to make yourself into an even better pardon applicant! This might all seem overwhelming, but here’s the good news: The Board of Pardons is recommending over 80% of all pardon applications it hears, and the Governor is approving 98% of all pardon recommendations he receives … and then your criminal record is automatically erased by the Court and you never have to check the box again!

So what’s holding you back?

YES! You do NOT need a lawyer to apply for a pardon. Here is what you need to succeed:

• 8-minute film about the PA Pardon Process by Pardon Fellow Zach Keasling
• Application form and instructions (English)
• Application form and instructions (Spanish)
• List of things to get from the courthouse (English)
• List of things to get from the courthouse (Spanish)
• Watch a “Do It Yourself” video (1 hour – English)
• Watch a “Do It Yourself” video (1 hour – Spanish)
• Videos explaining how to fill out the application form
• Videos of people who have gone through the pardon process, sharing what they’ve learned
• Advice on how to prepare for your hearing before the Board of Pardons