How to Petition for Pardon of an Old DUI Conviction in Indiana
The Indiana constitution gives the governor the power to pardon any offense, except treason and impeachment. The legislature also has the right to create a council to advise the governor on pardons. Beginning in 1980, the legislature authorized the parole board to review pardon requests and advise the governor on whether to approve or deny the request. If you have an old driving-under-the-influence conviction on your record, you can seek a pardon from the governor for the conviction by submitting a petition for a pardon with the parole board. (See references 1 and 4.)
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Instructions
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1
Contact the Indiana parole board and obtain a pardon packet, which provides instructions and forms for use in petitioning for a pardon. (See reference 2.)
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2
Gather all the information regarding your conviction, including the court where you were convicted, the prison or jail where you served time and your Department of Corrections number. You will also need to provide the circumstances that lead to your conviction. (See reference 2.)
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3
Ask family, friends, co-workers and other respected members of the community who know you to write letters of support for your pardon that will be submitted to the parole board along with your petition. (See reference 2.)
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4
Fill out the Petition for Clemency included in the pardon packet. Check the box for "pardon' where indicated at the top of the form. Insert all the conviction information that you gathered in step 2. Complete the form by inserting the reason for your pardon request and insert the names, addresses and relationship of any persons who will testify on your behalf at the hearing on your petition. (See reference 2.)
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5
Fill out the form included in the pardon packet that requests all your personal identifying information, such as date and place of birth, SSN, education level and military background. Also include your employment history and any positive information to supports your good character. (See reference 2.)
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6
Sign and date the petition. Mail the petition and the letter of support to the Indiana Parole Board at: 402 West Washington St., Room W466, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. (See reference 2.)
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1
Tips & Warnings
You cannot petition for a pardon until more than five years have elapsed since you completed your sentence, including any time on probation or parole. (See reference 2.)
A pardon from the governor effectively erases guilt for your conviction and you have grounds to file for a court order expunging the records of your conviction. (See reference 3, p 2.)
The parole board advises that the pardon process is lengthy and that you can expect at least a year to pass between the time you file your petition and you receive a decision from the governor. (See reference 2.)
If you have been convicted of a crime in another state or by the federal government, you cannot receive a pardon for driving-under-the-influence. (See reference 2, p 2.)
