Presidential Pardons

A presidential pardon is a formal forgiveness of a federal crime that exempts the individual from punishment. It can also restore civil rights, such as the right to vote. 

How does a pardon work?

• A pardon is granted by the president using their executive power.
• It applies to federal crimes, not state crimes.
• It doesn’t erase guilt, but it does remove punishment.
• It doesn’t remove the offense from the person’s record, but it does appear on the record with the pardon.
• To remove the offense, the person must request an expungement from the court.

When can a pardon be granted? 

• The president can grant a pardon at any time after the crime was committed.
• The president can’t preemptively pardon someone for future crimes.

Who might be eligible for a pardon? 

• Someone who has accepted responsibility for the crime
• Someone who has shown good behavior for a significant period of time after the conviction