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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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
CALL TO ACTION: It's taking SIX FULL YEARS to go from application to hearing. That's an ENORMOUS waste of potential. Sign our letter and urge your legislators to adequately fund the Board of Pardons so that they hold twice as many hearings each year.
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. Monroe County deserves its fair share!
Who We Are
We all volunteers and part of a large and growing statewide network of Pardon Projects.
What We Do
We provide information about pardons (which come from the Governor) and expungements (when Judges erase criminal records) and we train volunteers (“Pardon Coaches”) and organizations (“Pardon Hubs”) so that they can help people pursue their potential without being held back by their past. We can only help with convictions under Pennsylvania law; we can provide information on where to go for convictions in other states and the federal system.
Who We Serve
We provide Pardon Coaches for free to people who reside in Monroe County (or were convicted here) who have completed their sentences at least five years ago (longer, if the crimes involved violence, threats of violence or guns) and whose household incomes are at or below 237.5% of the federal poverty guidelines Others may qualify on a case-by-case basis. We refer to the Bar Association anyone who doesn’t meet our requirements for free service.
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:
- 12-minute film about the PA Pardon Process by Pardon Fellow Zach Keasling
- “How-To”: a series of 7 short videos
- 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)
- A form motion to waive court fines, fees and costs if you are low-income
- Watch a “Do It Yourself” video (1 hour – English)
- Watch a “Do It Yourself” video (1 hour – Spanish)
- 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?
Second chances start here.
About the Pardon Project
