Are You Eligible?
To be considered for the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, an applicant must meet the minimum eligibility requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you meet the project requirements, see Can I apply? to learn more about project criteria and disqualifying offenses.
If you have reviewed the eligibility requirements and feel you are eligible for the project, follow the steps below to complete and submit an application.
Submit an Application
Follow the steps outlined below to complete and submit your application. A helpful video on how to complete the Intake Packet is also available.
1) Download and Print the Intake Packet
The Intake Packet may not be accessible to those with a disability. If you wish to request an accommodation with respect to the completion of the intake packet, please contact us at ogepp@osu.edu.
If you do not have access to a printer or copier at work or at home, most local libraries will have computers, copiers and printers available for use. Use this Google search to find the closest library.
The three original forms associated with the project have been combined and replaced by the Intake Packet.
2) Complete the Intake Packet
As part of the Intake Packet, applicants must provide a complete account of their offense history. Do not intentionally leave out records or details of your offenses. All criminal records will be identified during the project process. Deliberately withholding details of your offenses slows the process and can impact your likelihood of acceptance into the project.
Learn how to find your criminal records using this guide from Ohio Legal Help. As of September 30, 2021, a BCI background check is no longer required.
3) Make a copy
Make a copy of your completed intake packet to keep for your records. Intake packets submitted to the project team will not be returned.
If you do not have access to a printer or copier at work or at home, most local libraries will have computers, copiers and printers available for use. Use this Google search to find the closest library.
4) Submit Intake Packet to the Project Team
Mail the completed Intake Packet (original) to the following address.
Send via the U.S. Postal Service, to:
University of Akron School of Law
Legal Clinic – Expedited Pardon Project
150 University Avenue
Akron, OH 44325-2901
5) Pre-screening and acceptance process
Once an application is received, the Project Team pre-screens the applicant to make sure they have no disqualifying convictions and meet the minimum standards for the project. Next, Project Team members contact pre-screened applicants to discuss the following: 1) all conviction information including any out-of-state or federal convictions; 2) the facts of each of their convictions; 3) their work history; 4) their community service history; and 5) any other information that might impact their eligibility for an expedited pardon. The Project Team then reviews all application materials and information provided by the applicant, determines whether they are accepted as a client, and notifies them of their acceptance status via mail and telephone call.
A pardon is granted in recognition of the applicant’s acceptance of responsibility for the offense(s) 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.
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. If after acceptance into the project a client is involved in subsequent criminal activity or if there are other new developments that may dramatically diminish the prospects for a pardon, the project team may advise the project client to pursue a traditional pardon.
6) Full pardon application and decision
Next, accepted clients work with service providers to prepare a full pardon application (separate from the intake packet outlined in step 1 above). The full pardon application is completed after acceptance into the program and requires the client to write a letter to the governor, gather letters of support and information about their convictions, and collect any supporting documentation. Upon completion, the full pardon application is submitted to the Ohio Parole Board, which will schedule the client for an expedited hearing following a mandatory 60-day notice period. Once it conducts the hearing, the Board will submit its recommendations to the Governor. The Governor will issue the final decision on each pardon application. Only the Governor can decide to grant or deny a pardon. The Governor may also seal pardoned convictions.
Reporting
Please note, some of the information you provide on the Intake Packet may be used by the Project Team for research purposes. However, you will not be personally identified in any publication resulting from the project’s research activities.