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State vs Presidential
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Full Read: 3 minutes
State vs Presidential
There are two different entities that can grant a pardon. They are given by the state or by the President of the United States. These two pardons (a state pardon and a presidential pardon) have many similarities and differences. On this page, I will compare and contrast these types of pardons. This can help you understand which one you should apply for.
Similarities
If you want to apply for a pardon, you should consider both the state and the presidential pardon. Both of these pardons do the same thing. They erase your criminal record if granted. Whichever pardon you choose, the application process will be similar. You will have to fill out a form, application, or petition for the pardon. You must state why you want a pardon. Also state why you believe that you qualify for a pardon. In addition, you should provide information related to your criminal history and record. This will help those looking at your application get a full understanding of your convictions. You should also submit character references. Generally, three is a good number of references. These references should be from people in your life who can show how you have changed and grown since the time of your conviction.
In addition to the application process being similar, the eligibility requirements are also similar for the state pardon and the presidential pardon. You must wait a minimum of five years since the time of your last conviction before you can apply for a pardon. Your application will be denied if you don’t wait the appropriate amount of time before applying.
Differences
Despite the similarities, there are notable differences between the state pardon and the presidential pardon. The most important difference that you must understand is that these types of pardons refer to different crimes. A pardon is granted by the Board of Pardons in your state when a state law is broken and you are committed of a state crime. On the other hand, you need to apply for a presidential pardon if you want to be pardoned for a federal felony conviction. The president has the power to grant clemency in this case.
As I’ve mentioned, another difference between these pardons is the person or entity who will grant or deny your pardon. When applying for a state pardon, the Board of Pardons and Paroles is in charge of reviewing your application and interviewing you during a pardon hearing. If you are applying for a presidential pardon, your petition will be reviewed by the Pardon Attorney, the Attorney General, and the President of the United States.
Getting Your Pardon
These are just a few of the main differences and similarities between the state pardon and the presidential pardon. If you are still confused about which pardon you should apply for, please contact me. I can help you determine which option is right for you. If you have determined which pardon you want to apply for, and you are looking for assistance with your application, you can also contact me.