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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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 April 9, the Board of Pardons held its first Merit Review of the year, when it determines which pardon applicants merit a public hearing. The Board considered 225 applicants and it granted hearings to 189 - 84.0%.
113 of the 189 successful applicants -- 60% -- received unanimous 5-0 votes (and another 35 received 4 votes), underlining the need to get those applicants to the Governor quickly so that they can get to pursuing their potentials unrestrained by their past, to the benefit of us all.
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. Wayne County deserves its fair share!
Who We Are
The initiative was proposed by long-time member Joseph Rydzewski, and quickly endorsed by Bar Association President Christine Rechner, District Attorney AG Howell – himself a long-time member of the Bar and personally committed to pro bono (volunteer legal services for the poor) – and Wayne County’s Prothonotary Edward Sandercock. The Pennsylvania IOLTA Board was first to provide critically-needed matching funds for this Project, the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation awarded a one-time matching grant to help get it up and running, and in June 2023, the Schwartz-Mack Foundation provided a grant to support this and the Bar Association’s other pro bono efforts. Ours is now part of a large and growing statewide network of Pardon Projects.
What We Do
We train volunteers (“Pardon Coaches”) so that they know the process, and we connect them to clients whom we think have an excellent chance of receiving a pardon from the Governor.
Who We Serve
We provide Pardon Coaches for free to people who reside in Wayne County (or were convicted here) whose household incomes are at or below 187.5% of the federal poverty guidelines (these limits times two) and who have completed their sentences for non-violent crimes at least five years ago. 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?
Click here and complete the form 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 a Do-It-Yourself Pardon Guide (March 2026)
- 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?
Second chances start here.
The Pardon Project began in 2018 as a part of Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity's service to its Philadelphia low-income clients with criminal records. Its first year report can be read here. When COVID-19 shut down direct operations, Tobey Oxholm (then PLSE's Executive Director) started teaching individuals and organizations about pardons via zoom. A greatly simplified application made it possible to engage with more volunteers, and the Project expanded to counties all around the state.
In 2025, the Pennsylvania Pardon Project was formed as a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation and received its 501c3 determination that same year. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law and GREATLY appreciated, and should be mailed. New partners are welcome at all times. Copies of the organization's tax returns and policies are available upon request.
Contact Us
1 Watawga Way West
Gouldsboro, PA 18424
