How to Apply for a Pardon in Ohio

From the years 2005-2010, Ohio received a total of 1,615 applications for pardon, according to the "Columbus Dispatch." The number of rejections totaled 1,296 (80.2 percent), the number commuted -- or reduced to a lower penalty -- totaled 29 (1.8 percent) and the number pardoned totaled 290 (18%) out of the 1,615 applications reviewed. The pardon application process is critical; it should be completed properly and should be well documented to support your application. A pardon can be a refreshing way to move on after a crime you've committed in the past. The process can be an agonizing wait, however, since it can take several months at the least.

Instructions

1. Request or print an application from Ohio's Department of Rehabilitation and Correction website. Mail hand-written application requests to Ohio Parole Board, Clemency Section, 770 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222. Alternatively, email application requests to [e-mail].

2. Fill out and follow instructions on the application provided by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Use blue or black ink to complete the application.

3. Find the location of a notary. Most town/city hall and banks will provide the service for free, while others might charge a small fee. A valid form of picture ID such as a driver's license, passport or military ID is required.

4. Submit two applications that are notarized with original signatures, two copies of any attachment documents and the completed application to the Ohio Parole Board, Clemency Section, 770 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222. This must be done by either the applicant, the person legally allowed to handle the applicant's affairs -- also known as a power of attorney -- or the attorney representing the applicant.

Tips & Warnings

• The Ohio Parole Board recommends that applicants retain the original or copies of any attachments sent along with their applications. Any attachments sent with the application cannot be returned.

• Always keep the Ohio Parole Board (Clemency Section) up to date with any changes such as telephone number and address.

• The parole officer will receive the opinion from the prosecuting attorney, arresting agency and judge about your request for pardon. The prosecuting attorney's office and the sentencing court will sometimes request the application with attached documents to give a better opinion regarding the case.

• A pardon forgives guilt but does not seal or erase a conviction.

• Applications from other Internet websites and outside agencies will not be processed for review and will be returned to the original sender.

• A photo ID that is expired will be considered an invalid ID and cannot be used to notarize documents.

References

• Columbus Dispatch Politics; Outgoing Govenor Gives 290 Pardons; Alan Johnson; 2011
• Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: Executive Clemency