Pardons Jefferson County

Criminal convictions can have a significant impact on your life and livelihood. Not only can there be immediate consequences related to the conviction like fines and prison sentences, but there can be several long-term effects too. Felony convictions could also result in the loss of important rights, including the right to vote, the right to own a firearm, and the right to hold public office.

These losses can be devastating for individuals, but it may be possible to have these rights restored. If you have a criminal conviction that qualifies for a pardon, you should retain the services of a skilled criminal attorney. A Jefferson County pardons lawyer could help you explore the options that might be available to you.

Essentially, a pardon is a government decision to relieve an individual of the consequences of conviction. A pardon generally has the effect of freeing an individual from the remainder of their sentence and can potentially restore your lost rights. In Alabama, convicted individuals may request pardons from the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Pardons can be granted only for certain crimes under certain circumstances. A person seeking a pardon must usually demonstrate that they have paid their debt to society and are not at risk of being a repeat offender. There are some other important qualifications for successfully petitioning for a pardon that a Jefferson County pardons lawyer could explain in further detail.

Pardons should not be confused with expungement. With a pardon, someone convicted of a crime will still have a criminal record, whereas expungement results in the charge in question being permanently erased from their record.

Pardons are determined on an individual basis. There is no guarantee that a convicted individual will receive a pardon, but they often stand a much better chance of being approved if they present a strong case. However, there are several convictions not eligible for pardons, including murder, rape, sexual abuse, distribution of child pornography, and soliciting a minor, among others. Get in contact with a Jefferson County pardons lawyer for more information.

With so much on the line when it comes to pardons, it is often important to have effective legal advocacy throughout the process. A lawyer familiar with the pardons process could help prepare and review a petition for a pardon, helping to ensure that it is thorough and presents a sound argument. A convicted individual cannot appeal a decision by the Board, so it could be critical to present the best case possible when the process is first begun.

Mistakes in the pardons process can lead to denial by the Board. Additionally, omitting important components in a petition for a pardon can also have significant consequences. For instance, if the person filing the petition fails to specifically ask for their civil rights to be restored, the Board may not grant them those rights even if they grant their request.

The pardons process in Jefferson County can be long and complex, and it may be important to discuss the circumstances of your case with an experienced pardons lawyer. Attorneys familiar with important aspects of the pardons process understand the nuances of state law, as well as how the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles applies those laws. If you are considering applying for a pardon, it is usually important to act quickly. Call today to see how a skilled Jefferson County pardons lawyer could work with you throughout the pardons process.