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 Huntingdon 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 Huntingdon 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 Huntingdon 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 Huntingdon 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
On October 8-10, the Board of Pardons held its third and final set of Pardon Hearings. 163 applications were considered. 60 applicants were excused with the Board already having decided they deserved a recommendation; another 66 received the Board's endorsement, having received at least 3 of their 5 votes; and 37 were denied. All in all, 127 applicants (77.3%) are on their way to the Governor's desk.
On December 4 at 9:00 am, the Board will hold its last pardons Merit Review of the year. Click here to watch them.
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. Huntingdon County deserves its fair share!
Who We Are
Our Pardon Project Steering Committee came together in November, 2023. Our members include representatives from the Huntingdon Center for Community Action, Huntingdon CareerLink, Mainstream Counseling, Tri-County Drug and Alcohol, Farming2Freedom, Juniata College, Stone Church of the Brethren, Huntingdon Prison Society, and MidPenn Legal Services – all volunteering to help.
We are part of a large and growing statewide network of Pardon Projects.
What We Do
“Pardon Hubs” are locations where the staff has been trained and can answer many if not all of your questions. Our primary Pardon Hub is located at the Huntingdon Centre for Community Action, 510 Washington St, Huntingdon, PA 16652.
Remember that ANYONE can help themselves because a pardon in PA can be applied for by ANY individual for ANY conviction. If you feel that you have a compelling story to tell, don’t let anyone get in your way!
Who We Serve
We provide Pardon Coaches for free to people who reside in Huntingdon County (or were convicted here), but 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 sentence (including probation and parole) at least two years ago, and are close to paying off their court fines and costs (or are up to date on a payment plan). The only cost that those over that income guideline are responsible for is the fee of getting their records, as the county clerk will only grant them for free if you are within that 200%.
Others may qualify on a case-by-case basis. And EVERYONE can help themselves! For our full Eligibility Criteria, click here.
How Do I Find Out if I Qualify?
Complete the form below with your information and someone from our team will reply:
Can I Apply Myself?
- Click here for Fast Facts about Pardons in Pennsylvania
- Click here for an 12-minute film about the PA Pardon Process by Pardon Fellow Zach Keasling
- Click here for "How-To": a series of 7 short videos
- Click here for a video guide to using the new (July 2025) online pardon application
- Click here for ten tips for using the new online pardon application
- Visit our Video Library for lots of self-help videos.
- Download the application form and instructions in English or in Spanish.
- Download the list of documents you need to get from the courthouse in English or in Spanish.
- Click here for a form motion to waive court fines, fees and costs if you are low-income
- Click here for a petition to expunge summary offenses and non-conviction data
- Click here to read about the new Fast Tracks to see if you quality
Questions?
We are here to help! For more information, send us an email and follow us on Facebook.
Second chances start here.
About the Pardon Project
