Maryland Pardons
A criminal conviction can continue to cause consequences long after a person has
completed their sentence. If you have finished serving a sentence and are dealing with the loss of certain rights because of your conviction, you may be able to regain these rights through a pardon. In Maryland, a pardon restores rights that someone lost due to a conviction, such as firearm rights, the ability to pursue certain occupational licenses, or the right to serve on a jury. Receiving a pardon absolves the recipient of the guilt from the criminal act for which they were convicted. The recipient is also exempted from the penalties imposed by their conviction.
To qualify for a pardon, individuals must no longer be incarcerated and must be crime-free for a designated period of time. Completed applications are submitted to the Maryland Parole Commission. The Governor reviews pardon applications and determines whether or not to grant the pardon.
The pardon application is lengthy and requires numerous details and attachments. The applicant needs to include not only the reason they are requesting a pardon, but also their criminal history, family, employment history, financial information, and more. There are several factors that are considered for whether to grant a pardon, including the circumstances of the crime; the age, health, and rehabilitation of the pardon applicant; and the effect the pardon may have on the community. A good attorney can help ensure that you qualify for a pardon, and can navigate the intricate requirements in the application to prepare and present a compelling case for the Governor’s consideration.
