Introduction
If you have a felony record on your back it can feel like a great weight, like hitting a brick wall when trying to move on with your life. But a perdón de felonías (felony pardon) can be just the ticket to get back your rights as a citizen and rejoin society. This guide outlines the steps to a felony pardon. It also deals with some of the problems encountered by applicants and how these can be solved in order to obtain a pardon.
Understand the Concept of a Felony Pardon
Imagine you have a felony on your record. The past could be holding you back from your future. However, with a perdón de felonías, you can have your rights as a citizen restored and be able to rejoin society. You could learn what a perdón de felonías is and how to get one.
It’s also very helpful to know what a pardoned individual’s application for work looks like. Many formerly convicted individuals are now able to apply for and receive employment after having been granted clemency by Governor Roy Cooper. In the last eight years, Governor Cooper has issued 34 clemencies and a perdón de felonías is one of them. This means that the formerly convicted individual has been granted the right to reclaim his or her citizenship and return to society as a productive member.
There are many people who have been affected by clemency after serving time in prison, including Phillip Vance Smith, II who was released from prison after nearly 23 years. He is currently very active in the ongoing work of the Criminal Justice Reform process and with his pardoned status can continue to serve and aid the community.
Now the way to obtain forgiveness has been cleared and you can now clear your criminal record through new expungement pathways and regain control of your life and open up new possibilities for your future. With recent amendments to the expungement laws of North Carolina and the implementation of the 2020 Second Chance Act, it is possible to get an expungement of the records of offenses that can be considered for expungement. In addition, there are now waiting periods for non-violent offenses during which the records of the offenses of the accused can be cleared.
Determine Eligibility for a Felony Pardon
The following webpage was created by our office in order to inform individuals seeking a pardon in North Carolina and Florida as to the eligibility for such in each state.
Whether you were arrested for a felony or a misdemeanor in North Carolina and have tried your best to move on with your life, the process to apply for a pardon can be confusing and time-consuming. If you have committed a non-violent felony in North Carolina, you can apply for a pardon after 20 years from the date of the completion of your sentence and have your felony expunged from your criminal record and given a fresh start.
Florida clemency can be applied for and granted after an individual has served their time and has demonstrated responsible citizenship since their release from prison. Note that there are many offenses that are considered to be permanently disqualifying for clemency.
There have been many individuals who have applied for clemency in the past and been granted in many instances because the individual had proven their rehabilitation and continued to be responsible members of society after their release from prison. Some individuals have been denied clemency in the past for various reasons including having other legal matters outstanding or the nature of the crime for which they were convicted having occurred recently.
Each state has its own qualifications for pardons. The attorneys at Miller Law Group are highly experienced in expungement and pardon law and can guide you through the process.
Gather Required Documentation for Your Application
Need Help Gathering Documents for Expungement? Here is a list of typical documents required for an expungement and how to prepare them for submission.
- Criminal Record: Certified complete and current copy of applicant’s criminal history record showing listed felony conviction(s). Since cases before a Magisterial District Judge are not considered by the Board until after 7 years, no letter confirming document unavailability is required for such old cases.
- Completion of Sentence: Proof that all requirements of your sentence have been completed (e.g., probation, parole, etc.). If you were placed on probation as part of your sentence, proof of completion of your probation would suffice.
- Personal Statement: Personal statement outlining the reasons for clemency and rehabilitation efforts since the time of the conviction.
- Letters of Support: Letters from people who have seen you behave well and can speak as to your good conduct and the positive nature of your contributions to society.
- Form: Completed pardon request form. This form must be signed by the applicant.
Try to make sure all of your documents are up-to-date and accurately state the circumstances of your case. Even minor inaccuracies in the documents you present could cause your clemency application to be held up while the matter is investigated and resolved. It would be helpful in preparing your clemency application to gather all of the documents from all of the cases in which you were charged with felonies while they were pending in the courts of this state. The Board’s online clemency application cannot be saved after it has been initiated and, therefore, must be completed in its entirety in a single session. Paying and satisfying all outstanding fines and/or fees of any kind for your conviction(s) prior to your application for a perdón de felonías (felony pardon) as part of your clemency request for a pardon demonstrates your acceptance of responsibility for your conduct and your desire to be granted clemency and a second chance.
Submit Your Felony Pardon Application
When a person is considering clemency, the clemency process itself can be overwhelming and when most clemency petitions are unsuccessful, helping those that are considering clemency has led to the following steps to help ensure a smooth clemency submission process.
- Review Materials: You should review the completed forms, including all required documents for completion before submission.
- Does your state charge a non-refundable processing fee? If so, please make sure to include it with your application.
- Send your clemency application. This will typically be via mail or via computer to state and local government offices on the Internet. Make sure you send completed applications and any supporting documentation via secure mail.
- Keep copies. A completed form and any supporting documentation should be kept for future reference.
- Follow up. Wait a reasonable amount of time and then contact the appropriate state or local government office to check on the status of your clemency petition. Some states have online tracking systems. Others must be contacted by phone to determine the status of a pending clemency application.
While the chances of getting clemency granted and the waiting time are both rather poor, knowing the steps above will better prepare you for the clemency challenge.
Avoid Common Mistakes in the Application Process
This is the final section to help you prevent mistakes in your application for a pardon for felonies.
- Incomplete Application: It is very important to fill out every section of the application completely and with the required information. Incomplete applications will not be processed due to lack of information or will be denied because of lacking information.
- Weak Personal Statement: Describe your background in your Personal Statement. Explain why you are seeking a pardon for your felony convictions. Describe how you have become a productive and responsible member of society in the time that has elapsed since your convictions and describe in detail your positive actions since that time.
- Insufficient supporting documentation: Applications will be negatively affected by the lack of appropriate letters of support and sufficient documentation from family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors and community leaders.
- Missing Deadlines: It is very important to complete the pardons application process within the time frame established for its submission. Incomplete applications submitted after the established deadline will not be processed.
- Misrepresentation: Misrepresentation of facts in an application for a pardon for a felony conviction can result in denial of the application and even in additional legal problems.
Wait 5 years after the completion of your sentence - that’s right. This requirement is crucial. A Presidential Pardon is not an easy thing to secure (1.7% of all pardons applied for in history have been granted) and there are many things that you can do to better assist in the securing of a pardon for a felony or felonies that you have been convicted of. One way to secure approval for a perdón de felonías is to carefully structure your pardons application to outline the language or cultural challenges that recently immigrated individuals may encounter as they seek to secure a pardón de felonías through a Presidential Clemency.
Conclusion
A felony pardon application can be a complicated matter for individuals and families trying to re-establish themselves after time served for a felony. Vasquez Law Firm can assist its clients through the pardon process and identify problems as they arise. In order to receive a felony pardon, however, individuals and their families must first have an understanding of what a felony pardon is and how to apply for it in order to regain all of their rights as a citizen of the United States and become a productive member of society once again.
Further, applicants must understand the steps required to receive a pardon for a felony as well as the “criteria” which the state uses to evaluate applicants for pardons for felony convictions. Additionally, an effective personal statement will greatly impact an applicant’s clemency petition and it is important that it is written from the heart.
It is also important to know that the goal of seeking a felony pardon is to grant individuals who have committed serious crimes a “second chance” to make amends for their past mistakes and become productive citizens of society. Vasquez Law Firm can assist you in seeking a felony pardon. Our felony lawyers have many years of experience representing individuals who have been convicted of felonies. Our lawyers speak English and Spanish and can assist individuals from all economic backgrounds. We can also assist you by offering flexible payment plans to help pay for our services so that language does not become a barrier to seeking justice and attempting to obtain a pardon for past offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a felony pardon?
A felony pardon, or perdón de felonías, is a legal process that restores an individual's rights as a citizen, allowing them to rejoin society and move forward after having a felony on their record.
How can someone obtain a felony pardon in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, individuals who have committed a non-violent felony can apply for a pardon after 20 years from the completion of their sentence. This process allows for the expungement of the felony from their criminal record.
What is the role of Governor Roy Cooper in the clemency process?
Governor Roy Cooper has the authority to grant clemency, including pardons. Over the past eight years, he has issued 34 clemencies, allowing formerly convicted individuals to reclaim their citizenship and reintegrate into society.
What are the eligibility requirements for a felony pardon in Florida?
In Florida, individuals can apply for clemency after serving their time and demonstrating responsible citizenship since their release. However, certain offenses may permanently disqualify individuals from receiving clemency.
What recent changes have been made to expungement laws in North Carolina?
Recent amendments to North Carolina's expungement laws, along with the implementation of the 2020 Second Chance Act, have created new pathways for individuals to clear their criminal records, including waiting periods for non-violent offenses.
Can individuals who have been denied clemency reapply?
Yes, individuals who have been denied clemency in the past may reapply, especially if they can demonstrate rehabilitation and responsible behavior since their release from prison.
How can legal assistance help with the pardon application process?
Experienced attorneys, such as those at Miller Law Group, can provide guidance through the complex and time-consuming process of applying for a pardon, ensuring that individuals understand the eligibility requirements and necessary steps.
List of Sources
- Understand the Concept of a Felony Pardon
- Celebrating Clemency - Emancipate North Carolina (https://emancipatenc.org/celebrating-clemency)
- Governor Issues Six Commutations and Two Pardons of Innocence (https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/11/13/governor-issues-six-commutations-and-two-pardons-innocence)
- North Carolina
Restoration of Rights & Record Relief (https://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/north-carolina-restoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing) - How Do Presidential Pardons Affect Criminal Records an... (https://factually.co/fact-checks/justice/presidential-pardons-effect-criminal-record-employment-prospects-a38942)
- Determine Eligibility for a Felony Pardon
- North Carolina Pardon & Clemency (2026) — How to Apply (https://secondchanceinfo.com/expungement/pardon/nc)
- North Carolina
Restoration of Rights & Record Relief (https://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/north-carolina-restoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing) - Executive Clemency Office | NC Governor (https://governor.nc.gov/executive-clemency-office)
- Gather Required Documentation for Your Application
- Apply for Clemency (https://justice.gov/pardon/apply-clemency)
- Pennsylvania launches new online pardon application (https://spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08/board-of-pardons-online-digital-application-justice-system)
- Everything You Need to Know About Clemency in North Carolina – Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law (https://wcsj.law.duke.edu/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-clemency-in-north-carolina)
- Clemency-apply - Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (https://floridarrc.com/clemency-apply)
- Submit Your Felony Pardon Application
- Everything You Need to Know About Clemency in North Carolina – Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law (https://wcsj.law.duke.edu/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-clemency-in-north-carolina)
- North Carolina
Restoration of Rights & Record Relief (https://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/north-carolina-restoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing) - Apply for Clemency (https://justice.gov/pardon/apply-clemency)
- Avoid Common Mistakes in the Application Process
- Pardons & Clemency Application Guide — Navigate the Process Step by Step (https://secondchancestartguide.com/guides/pardons-and-clemency)
- Get a Pardon for Felony Conviction (https://schwartzcohenlaw.com/get-a-pardon-for-felony-conviction)
- How Hard Is It to Get a Presidential Pardon? - Boyle & Jasari (https://boylejasari.com/chances-of-getting-a-presidential-pardon)
- State Clemency in 2026: Pardons & Commutations by Governors (https://afroliterarymagazine.com/state-level-clemency-pardons-commutations)
- Statistical Analysis of Presidential Pardons (https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/statistical-analysis-presidential-pardons)
