Is Applying for a Pardon Right For Me?

Deciding to apply for a pardon can be difficult. You don’t want to go through the time and money of applying just to be rejected or find that you didn’t really need a pardon in the first place. If you are considering applying for a pardon, ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is right for you.

Eligibility

Is your crime automatically eligible for a pardon?
In many cases, you will automatically receive a pardon for a crime after a certain amount of time has passed. This is the case under Connecticut’s new expungement law. However, family violence and sexual assault crimes are not automatically pardoned. They will require a pardon application to be erased from your criminal history.

Professional Questions

Is your criminal record keeping you from obtaining a professional license?
Even with the implementation of ban the box, there are many jobs that you may not be able to get when you have a criminal record. These may include teaching, child care, health care, law enforcement, finance, retail, and government. If you want to apply for one of these jobs, having a pardon can help.
Is your criminal record keeping you from going back to school, because you cannot get any financial aid?
The Federal Government may not offer all students with criminal records grants for higher education. If this has hindered your pursuit of higher education, a pardon can help.
Is your criminal record preventing you from getting a job, or advancing in your field?
Although job applications can no longer have a box to check if you have a criminal record, employers are allowed to ask you in an interview if you have a criminal record. Therefore, employers often find out that you have a criminal record, and exclude people from consideration for the position or do not call the potential candidate back.

Personal Questions

Is your criminal record preventing you from being able to volunteer or join groups in your community?
Many volunteer groups, especially those involving children require a clean background check.
Does having a criminal record embarrass you and keep you from doing things that you enjoy?
A criminal record exposes you to the public eye. Anyone can go search someone’s name on the state’s judicial website and see what charges he or she has been charged with. This can carry a lot of shame and stigma for those with criminal records.
Is your criminal record affecting your relationships with family, friends, significant others, etc.?
Having a criminal record can affect your relationships with those you love. People may look down on or look at someone differently knowing that he or she has a criminal record.
Is your criminal record keeping you from fully enjoying your life?
If having a criminal record is holding you back from living out your full potential, this can damage your confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.

Applying for a Pardon

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be eligible to apply for a pardon, and you should call and speak with an attorney. Give us a call to speak with someone about your eligibility.