If you are applying for a Connecticut pardon, you want to do everything you can to make your application attractive to the Board of Pardons. On this page, you can find eight tips to improve your pardon application and impress the Board.

Eight Tips for Your Application

1. The Board of Pardons wants to see an application that demonstrates positive improvements in the applicant’s life. When the Board looks at a pardon application, and when they have someone in front of them for a hearing, they want to see evidence that he or she has made positive changes in life, post-conviction. Positive changes in a person’s life may include getting married, having kids, career achievements, education achievements, and more.
2. Applicants who are bettering their lives with work or education shows the Board that  they are productive and valuable members to society. An application that demonstrates dedication to a job, or earning a degree, shows that person’s value in hard work and dedication, and that he or she is staying out of trouble.
3. Positive people in the applicant’s life, who have positive things to say about he or she as a person. The Board looks for applicants who have people in their lives like a spouse, significant other, parents, grandparents, children, or friends that stand behind them and are positive people in their life.
4. No recent convictions or pending convictions. The Board of Pardons will deny an applicant if he or she has a misdemeanor within the past three years, or a felony in the past five years. The Board of Pardons will also deny an applicant who has pending charges. The Board looks for proof that the applicant is staying out of trouble, away from crime, and has moved far past his or her conviction from years ago.
5. Involvement in the community, donating, volunteering, etc. An applicant who is involved in the community, donating time or services, volunteering, or is an active participant in clubs or activities will stand out. The Board looks for signs that the applicant is making society a better place, rather than getting into trouble. One of the best ways to show life improvement is involvement in the community, and taking time to help other people. This will also show the Board good character qualities and that it is important to the person to not only better his or her life, but others’ lives as well.
6. Getting help or treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues. Unfortunately, many people struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse issues. The Board understands that many struggle with these issues, and applicants who show that they are getting treatment show the Board that they are taking responsibility and control of life.
7. Strong desire and purpose for wanting to get a pardon. There is a section on the pardon application that asks what the applicant’s reason is for wanting a pardon. This is arguably the most important section on the entire application. An applicant who takes this space to truly make a personal statement and express their purpose and desire to get a pardon, will make that person stand out.
8. Good qualities like hard working, good work ethic, impactful in community, cares about others, etc. The Board looks for an applicant who has a well-rounded, strong application. This includes the information that is emphasized above. The Board wants to grant pardons to those applicants who show strong desire to be productive in society, stay out of trouble, and live meaningful lives past a criminal conviction.

Getting Help

If you are overwhelmed by the pardon application process, my office can help. Our staff is happy to work with you to make sure that your application is filled out properly. For help with the pardon process, contact our office today!