People Change.
Records Can Too.
A pardon is total forgiveness by the state and it requires the court, prosecutors, and state police to erase your record like it never happened.
You will never have to “check the box” again!
The Pardon Project of Bedford County
A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. The Pardon Project of Bedford County was created to help members of our community who were once convicted of a non-violent crime, completed their sentence, and turned their lives around – and only their past is holding them back from pursuing their potential.
If you’re someone who has a criminal record and is considering seeking a pardon, there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, a pardon can help remove the stigma and barriers that come with having a criminal record, making it easier to find employment, housing, and education opportunities. Additionally, a pardon can provide a sense of closure and allow you to move on from your past mistakes, freeing you to pursue personal and professional growth. The potential benefits of a pardon are significant and can create a range of opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. We want to help you realize this opportunity!
If you have ever pled guilty or been convicted of a non-violent state crime in Pennsylvania and completed your sentence at least five years ago, you should consider applying for a pardon.
Records Can Too.
The Pardon Project of Bedford County
A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. The Pardon Project of Bedford County was created to help members of our community who were once convicted of a non-violent crime, completed their sentence, and turned their lives around – and only their past is holding them back from pursuing their potential.
If you’re someone who has a criminal record and is considering seeking a pardon, there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, a pardon can help remove the stigma and barriers that come with having a criminal record, making it easier to find employment, housing, and education opportunities. Additionally, a pardon can provide a sense of closure and allow you to move on from your past mistakes, freeing you to pursue personal and professional growth. The potential benefits of a pardon are significant and can create a range of opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. We want to help you realize this opportunity!
If you have ever pled guilty or been convicted of a non-violent state crime in Pennsylvania and completed your sentence at least five years ago, you should consider applying for a pardon.
A pardon is total forgiveness by the state and it requires the court, prosecutors, and state police to erase your record like it never happened.
You will never have to “check the box” again!
News Alert
At its October Public Hearings, the Board of Pardons heard 176 pardon applications (including 42 that were excused) and recommended 138 of them - a success rate of 78.4%. The applicants came from 38 counties. A total of 596 pardon cases were heard by the BOP this year and 81.5% (486) were recommended to the Governor.
Two –
Thirds
of those who apply for a pardon in Pennsylvania actually get one!
Did You Know?
Pennsylvania is leading the nation in pardon reform! The pardon process is entirely free, a lawyer is not necessary, and over 80% of the people going before the PA Board of Pardons actually end up with a pardon! Over a ten-year period, pardons brought over $16.5 million dollars in higher wages into communities all across the state. Bedford County deserves its fair share!
Who We Are
We are a broad and diverse group of elected, business, non-profit civic and philanthropic leaders who appreciate the fact that we ALL do better if EVERYONE has the opportunity to achieve their potential. Our key contributors have been Personal Solutions Inc., the United Way, Chief Public Defender, State Representative Jesse Topper, Horizon Behavioral Health, Peerstar, CareerLink, Goodwill, the Center for Community Action, and Bedford Developmental & Behavioral Health Services.
We all volunteers and part of a large and growing statewide network of Pardon Projects.
What We Do
We will be training our first group of “Pardon Coaches” – volunteers trained to help people apply – on Thursday, June 13 at 2pm. If you are interested, please email us at [email protected]. Training is free and it only takes one hour (free CLE credit for attorneys).
Ask us about training for your organization to become a “Pardon Hubs” providing on-site information and counseling.
Who We Serve
We provide help to people who reside in Bedford County (or were convicted here), but give priority to those who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (in 2024, this mean $30,120/year for an individual, $62,400/year for a family of 4) and who have completed their sentences at least five years ago. The only cost that those over that income guideline are responsible for is the fee of getting their records from the courthouse. Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis. And EVERYONE can help themselves!
How Do I Find Out if I Qualify?
Can I Apply Myself?
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
Questions?
We are here to help! For more information, send us an email.
Second chances start here.
About the Pardon Project
230 S. Broad Street Suite 1102
Philadelphia, PA 19102
