Sometimes people make mistakes. Whether it was a moment of youthful indiscretion or a lapse of judgment caused by alcohol, they simply happen.

At the same time, these mistakes can result in permanent criminal records. Still, that doesn’t mean it’s fair for a minor issue to follow you your whole life.

If you’re a Connecticut citizen who’s made a mistake, you might be eligible to get your criminal record pardoned, which could ultimately clear your record forever, no matter the original charge.

What are the Two Types of Connecticut Pardon?

There are two kinds of pardon available in Connecticut. These pardons can help you find work, housing, and generally make your life easier. They work differently and help you in unique ways.

Absolute Pardon

An absolute pardon is what you probably think of when you hear the word “pardon.” With this, your charges are completely expunged from your criminal record. You will appear as though you have never been convicted when someone conducts a background search on you.

Certificate of Employability

A certificate of employability does not affect your criminal record. Instead, it makes it illegal for a company to discriminate against you due to your criminal history. Convicted offenders are not otherwise a protected class.

This certificate allows someone who has been convicted to get a job again. It also allows the grantee the right to hold certain types of licensing. For people with skills that require those licenses, this is the difference between finding a job and being unemployed.

Who is Eligible for a Connecticut Pardon?

These pardons do have guidelines regarding who may receive them. In general, the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles must be convinced that you have learned from your mistakes. Furthermore, there is sometimes a waiting period before you are eligible, to watch for signs of recidivism.

Absolute Pardon Eligibility

The most important aspect of your eligibility for an absolute pardon is time. You are eligible for an absolute pardon three years after a misdemeanor conviction, and five years after a felony conviction.

You are never eligible for an absolute pardon if you have a federal conviction or your conviction is under any other state. Also, you are ineligible for a pardon whenever you have pending court cases.

Certificate of Employability Eligibility

You can seek a certificate of employability as soon as you are sentenced. You are eligible for a certificate of employability no matter where you were convicted.

This pardon may require certain types of rehabilitation, but certainly worth the extra effort if it means being able to support yourself and live on your own because you are employed.

How Do You Apply for a Pardon in Connecticut?

The process of applying for a pardon is complicated and has many steps. Make a copy of all the paperwork you submit, in case anything gets lost in the mail.

• Consult with a lawyer. You are most likely to fill out all of the paperwork correctly if you have someone on your side who is trained to help you.
• File a petition for a pardon. This packet includes the majority of the forms you need to fill out.
• Submit $25 and your fingerprints with the petition. You can get yourself fingerprinted at police stations around the country.
• Get a copy of police reports for all of your arrests in the past ten years. This includes arrests out of state.
• Get at least three letters of reference. Only one can be from your family. Community leaders are considered more credible, so look for people like religious leaders, employers, or teachers.
• Write and submit a personal statement that explains you are sorry for and understand the effects of your crime.
• Attend the pre-screening and the actual hearing that the Board schedules for you upon receipt of your petition. Bring a lawyer to these if you are concerned.

The Board of Pardons and Paroles Will Evaluate Your Case

Pardons are granted at the discretion of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. There are several reasons you may or may not be granted a pardon. The board takes into account your crimes, your work history, your personal references, any history of rehabilitation, and the time since conviction.

An Initial Denial From the Board Doesn’t Always Mean No Hope

If your petition is denied, you must wait at least a  year before you resubmit. During this time, you can consult with a lawyer for the best ways to improve your petition.

One mistake doesn’t need to affect your life forever. In Connecticut, you can look into a criminal record sealing/pardon, and get back into work. Put your past mistakes behind you, and improve your life with a pardon.

You can apply to have your criminal record expunged through the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. In Connecticut, an expungement, or the complete erasure of the criminal record of an offense, is called an Absolute Pardon. If granted an Absolute Pardon, your criminal record will be erased, making it inaccessible to the public, potential employers, or background checks. In fact, after you have been granted an Absolute Pardon, you are allowed to legally say that you do not have a criminal record. You may also be considered for a Certificate of Employability, which makes it illegal for a prospective employer to deny employment based on an applicant’s criminal record. A Certificate of Employability does not expunge an offense from your criminal record.

Why Should I Apply for a Criminal Records Expungement in Connecticut?

A criminal record can follow you around and have negative effects on various aspects of your life. When you have your criminal record expunged, you can legally say that you do not have a criminal record.

• Employment: Many employers run criminal background checks. For some types of jobs, a criminal record may make you ineligible for the position. While in others, a criminal record may not automatically disqualify you, but the employer may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record. Expunging your criminal record will improve your chances of securing employment.
• Housing: Landlords often run criminal background checks on prospective tenants. The existence of a criminal record may result in a landlord refusing your application for an apartment, limiting your ability to live in the area/building you prefer.
• Public Information: In the age of Google, you want to remove any negative information that exists about you online. Your criminal record is public information, which means that anyone (friends, colleagues, acquaintances) can find it through a simple search of your name. Expunging your record removes this information from public view.

Who is Eligible for a Pardon in Connecticut?

For an Absolute Pardon, eligibility is determined by the amount of time that has passed since the date of conviction. You are eligible for a pardon three years from the date of a misdemeanor conviction or five years for a felony conviction. You are not eligible for a pardon is you have a pending case in state or federal court or if you are currently incarcerated.

How Do I Apply for a Pardon?

You can apply for an Absolute Pardon or Certificate of Employability through the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles. For the Absolute Pardon, or expungement, you must complete a lengthy application, which includes a criminal background check, police reports, work/personal information, and three references. There is no fee to apply for a pardon, but you do have to pay the state police for processing your criminal records check ($75 as of March 1, 2018).

How Long Does the Process Take?

The process can vary depending on the volume of applications the Pardons Board has received. Applications for pardons are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. It is common for the entire process to take up to 12 months. You will receive a letter from the Board after it has conducted an initial review of your application. You may then be required to appear at a hearing, even if you do not live in Connecticut. There are 12 hearings per year.

How Does the Board Decide Whether to Grant a Pardon?

The Board has the discretion to grant or deny a pardon for any eligible applicant, regardless of the severity of the crime. In reviewing your application, the Board evaluates your entire situation, including:

• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Severity of the offense
• Victim impact and input
• Amount of time passed/prior criminal history
• Character references
• Accomplishments of applicant
• Public interest
• State Attorney’s opinion
• Work history
• Community service

What Can I Do if I am Denied a Pardon?

If you are denied a pardon, you will receive a letter from the Board explaining why you were denied and the date you may reapply. Generally, the waiting period for reapplication is one year. Each application is evaluated on its own to determine whether a pardon should be granted.

➤ For more information about pardons, visit the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Parole website. If you have questions regarding clearing your criminal record in Connecticut, contact us to schedule a free consultation.