A criminal conviction in Stamford can have lasting consequences. It often results in substantial fines or lengthy jail sentences, and having a criminal record can significantly affect your future.

Fortunately, Connecticut law allows many individuals with criminal convictions to apply for a pardon. This process can help clear your criminal history and provide a fresh start. Navigating the pardon process can be complex, but the team at Ruane Attorneys is here to help. Contact a Stamford pardons lawyer today to explore your legal options.

Who Can Apply for Pardons?

Individuals with criminal convictions may be eligible to apply for an absolute pardon, which can fully erase their criminal record. The Board of Pardons and Paroles outlines specific waiting periods that determine eligibility for this relief.

For felony convictions, there is a mandatory five-year waiting period. This lasts from the date of conviction to the date you can apply. For misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is three years.

Eligibility for an absolute pardon depends on several factors, including:

• No pending criminal cases in any jurisdiction.
• Completion of all parole or probation terms.
• No “nolled” charges (cases not pursued by the prosecutor) on your record within the past 13 months.

A Stamford pardons attorney can help determine if you are eligible and guide you through the process of expunging your criminal record.

How to Apply for an Absolute Pardon

Once you meet the criteria for eligibility, you can start the application process for an absolute pardon with the assistance of a local attorney. The process begins with gathering necessary documents, which include:

• A state criminal history report.
• A notarized authorization for a background investigation.
• Three reference questionnaires.
• Police reports for any arrests resulting in convictions in the past decade.
• Letters from probation officers, if applicable.
• A copy of your driver’s license or a state ID.

A pardons lawyer from our firm can help you collect and submit these documents through the online application portal.

Instead of in-person hearings, the Board of Pardons and Paroles conducts virtual interviews to verify information and gather additional details. This process can ultimately lead to the granting of an absolute pardon.

Recent Changes in Criminal Record Expungement Laws

Recent criminal justice reforms have introduced new pathways for individuals to receive automatic pardons under specific conditions. Public Act 21-32, which took effect on January 1, 2023, simplifies the expungement process for some offenses.

For misdemeanor convictions, the law presumes a pardon after seven years (starting from January 1, 2020) unless prosecutors or law enforcement present compelling reasons to deny it.

Felonies involve a more intricate process, but individuals with Class D or E felony convictions may be eligible for a pardon after maintaining a clean record for ten years, provided the offense is not exempt from this relief. A Stamford pardons lawyer can explain how the Clean Slate Bill may apply to your situation and help you navigate the process.

Contact a Stamford Pardons Lawyer for Assistance

Everyone deserves a chance to start over. Eligibility for an absolute pardon depends on meeting specific waiting periods and maintaining a clean record. Obtaining a pardon can greatly improve your future prospects by removing the stigma of a criminal record.

At Ruane Attorneys, our Stamford pardons lawyers help clients rebuild their lives through the pardon process. From initial eligibility assessments to thorough application support, we are dedicated to advocating for your best interests. Contact us today to discuss your case and start your journey toward a clean slate.