Pardon Services

A pardon restores four key constitutional rights: the right to vote, the right to possess firearms, the right to run for and hold public office, and the right to serve on a jury. It also serves as official recognition by the Governor that you have been rehabilitated, which can help with employment, licensing, and housing.

The entire process typically takes several months. After filing your application, OSBI conducts a background investigation (2 weeks to 2 months), followed by a DOC investigation (up to 70 days). You then appear before the Pardon and Parole Board, which meets one day per month. If recommended, the Governor has 90 days to make a final decision. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure your application moves through the process efficiently.

A pardon and an expungement serve entirely different purposes. An expungement seals your criminal record from public view, allowing you to legally say the conviction never happened — but it does not restore your rights. A pardon restores your civil rights (voting, gun ownership, etc.) but does not erase your record — your case will still appear on OSCN. For maximum relief, you should pursue both. After receiving a pardon, you can immediately apply for expungement of any crime, including violent felonies, with no waiting period.

It depends on your goals. If you want to clear your record for employment and background checks, an expungement alone may be sufficient. If you need to restore your gun rights, voting rights, or other civil liberties, you need a pardon. For the most complete relief — a clean record plus restored rights — you should pursue both. A pardon also makes you immediately eligible for expungement of any crime, even violent felonies.

A commutation reduces your sentence (prison time, fines, or both) while you are still serving it — you must be in DOC custody to apply. A pardon is an act of forgiveness granted after you have completed your sentence. A commutation does not restore your rights or clear your record. A pardon restores your rights and makes you immediately eligible for expungement. They serve fundamentally different purposes.

You must submit: a certified judgment and sentence from the convicting county, a certified statement from the court clerk showing all financial obligations are paid, a current credit report (within 120 days), verification of residence (rental receipt, mortgage statement, deed, or lease — not utility bills), verification of employment (pay stub, benefits statement, or tax return), and notarized letters of support with the writer's name, address, and phone number. An experienced attorney can help you compile and present these documents effectively.

Oklahoma is one of the most pardon-friendly states in the country. Approximately half of all pardon applications are granted. Governor Kevin Stitt granted 290 pardons in his first year alone, and Governor Mary Fallin granted 734 during her tenure. The key factors are demonstrating genuine rehabilitation, accepting responsibility, providing strong character references, having a clean record since your conviction, and presenting a persuasive case to the Pardon and Parole Board.

The pardon process is complex, and you have only 2 minutes to present your case before the Board. An experienced pardon lawyer will determine your eligibility, compile all required documents, prepare a persuasive petition, coach you on your presentation, and represent you at the hearing. Only one person can speak on your behalf — making it critical to have a skilled advocate who knows what the Board looks for.