Getting a pardon or getting something removed from your record, is not a simple process.
Not just any law firm knows how to handle it. If you have something on your record that needs to be cleaned up in Oklahoma, you have come to the right place.
The Hassles of having a criminal record
Having some type of crime on your record can easily follow you for the rest of your life. It can keep you from getting proper employment, from getting a concealed-carry license, affect your ability to get credit and much more. If you have something on your record, you know exactly what we mean. Criminal law can be tough, but it doesn’t have to hinder your life.
State of Oklahoma Governor's Pardon
Oklahoma Governor’s Pardon – What Is It?
Although convicted felons may have paid their dues to society, they still run into obstacles once they are released. Often they do not pass required background checks in order to obtain certain job positions due to time served, which is where a Governor’s Pardon (a statement of absolution from the state of Oklahoma) comes into play.
Furthermore, a Governor’s Pardon expedites the expungement (or erasure) of felony convictions from a felon’s record. Pardons can reintroduce the ability to:
Obtain employment
Vote
Own firearms
Reinstate or apply for a professional and/or liquor license
Will the right to own a firearm be reinstated?
Will a convicted felon's record be erased?
Unfortunately, no, but it is a means of expungement. A Governor’s Pardon only facilitates official forgiveness of the crime in question.
This depends on the nature of your crime:
Violent felonies (such as the use of a firearm to commit a felony) prohibit the right to own a firearm.
Nonviolent felonies (such as drug offenses) allows the reinstatement of the right to own a firearm.
Concealed Weapons:
In criminal law under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, as long as the conviction doesn’t fall under the “violent felony” category, yes, a concealed weapons permit may be issued to a convicted felon.
Length Of Time For A Governor’s Pardon To Take Effect
Specific requirements to obtain governor's pardon
You are tried and convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, under Oklahoma law.
You are not currently serving time
You have not previously applied for a pardon (at least within the past 12 months)
This is your only current felony/misdemeanor
All sentences have been either:
Served
Paroled
Completed
Suspended
Steps for Governor’s Pardon (usually takes up to a year):
Completed 18-page Pardon Application is sent via certified mail to the Pardon & Parole Board
A Pardon & Parole officer will conduct a personal interview and review all submitted documentation
Officer’s recommendations are reviewed by the board (meetings are held once a month)
Recommendations to the Governor usually take six-to-nine months to be approved and sent
The Governor then has 90 days to make his or her decision.
GETTING AN OKLAHOMA PARDON
Do you have a record that needs to be cleaned up? If you want to finally clear your name and rid yourself of that record that seems to follow you wherever you go, let us help. Chris Kannady, one of our experienced attorneys, is an expert in this area, helping a number of people receive pardons or expungements on their record. Get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer from Foshee & Yaffe Attorneys at Law today at (405) 378-3033 or contact us online.