Eligibility
To be considered for the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, an applicant must meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Review the applicant criteria and disqualifying offense list below to see whether or not you meet the minimum project requirements.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the project. The Project Team has discretion to decline applications that do not align with the mission of the project.
Note: A pardon is granted in recognition of the applicant’s acceptance of responsibility for the offense committed and established good conduct for a substantial length of time after completing their sentence. A pardon is not a sign of exoneration and does not connote or establish innocence. For that reason, when considering the merits of a pardon petition, the Ohio Parole Board takes into account the petitioner’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the offense.
To download the minimum requirements for the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, click on the button below.
READ THE FULL CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION
Applicant Criteria
To apply to participate in the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, rehabilitated citizens must meet the following criteria:
- The person must have completed the sentence for the Ohio conviction(s) for which they are seeking a pardon at least 10 years ago.
- The person must not have committed any additional crimes in at least the past 10 years, including DUI and OVI which are considered criminal offenses. Minor traffic citations are ok during this period.
- The person must not have been convicted of any disqualifying offenses (see details below).
- The person must have made good faith efforts to meet all requirements of sentencing, such as the payment of fines or restitution.
- The person must have a post-offense employment history or a compelling reason why he or she has not been employed.
- The person must have some history of performing volunteer work or community service.
Disqualifying Offenses
Those convicted of any of the following offenses are not eligible for the project. Additionally, those charged with a disqualifying offense are not eligible unless their entire case was dismissed. Disqualifying offenses include:
- Aggravated Murder, Murder, Attempted Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, Reckless Homicide, Negligent Homicide, Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Homicide.
- Rape, Sexual Battery, Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, Gross Sexual Imposition, Sexual Imposition, Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor, Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity Oriented Material or Performance, Felonious Sexual Penetration, Importuning, Compelling Prostitution, Promoting Prostitution, Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles, Displaying Matter Harmful to Juveniles, Pandering Obscenity, Deception to Obtain Matter Harmful to Juveniles, Human Trafficking.
- Kidnapping, Abduction, Felony Child Endangering, Terrorism.
- Domestic Violence.
If you have reviewed the eligibility requirements and feel you are eligible for the project, visit the How to apply page to learn the steps required to complete and submit an application.