Oklahoma Pardon Attorney

Convicted Felons can restore their Civil Rights

Statewide: Flat-Fee Pardons with an Attorney you can Trust

What is a Pardon and why do I want one?

A Pardon is an official statement of forgiveness from the State of Oklahoma, for a crime or crimes. It represents the Governor and the Pardon & Parole Board's opinion that a convicted felon has "paid their dues" for their criminal past, and that they are welcomed back into the full rights of citizenship.

Day to day, a Pardon can help a convicted felon do the following: own a firearm (non-violent felonies only), get a job despite a criminal conviction; get or keep a professional license or liquor license; and restore lost civil rights by allowing convicted felons to vote & hold office. A Pardon is also a prerequisite for the expungement of most felony convictions. To see if you qualify for a pardon, speak with Michael directly at 405.801.2116.

Does a Pardon restore a convicted felon's right to own a firearm?

Yes, as long as the conviction was not for a "violent felony." Otherwise, a Pardon restores the right of a convicted felon to possess firearms and to perform the duties of a peace officer, gunsmith, or firearms repairman.

What about getting a Concealed Weapon License?

A Pardon restores the right of a convicted felon to apply for a concealed handgun permit under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. Again, the conviction must not have been for a "violent felony" and the applicant meet all other requirements of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. For help restoring your gun rights, speak with Michael directly at 405.801.2116.

How can a Pardon help a convicted felon get a job?

After your receive a Pardon, your criminal record will be updated to show that you have been pardoned, in both the Court records of your case and on your OSBI background check. When employers pull your background, they will immediately see that you have been pardoned of your crimes by the Governor, and they will look on your felony conviction in a much better light.

Furthermore, a Pardon is required for convicted felons to hold certain licenses - such as nursing and health care licenses, and certain commercial drivers licenses (CDL's) endorsements, among others. For convicted felons who seek employment in fields that require a license, a Pardon is a necessity.

Lastly, a Pardon is a requirement for the expungement of a felony conviction. Expungement erases the crime from your criminal record, and allows you to deny that the crime ever occurred, but can be difficult to qualify for. To discuss whether or not you qualify for a Pardon and an Expungement, speak with Michael directly at 405.801.2116.

What about getting a Liquor License?

A Pardon restores the right of a convicted felon to receive a liquor license, as well.

What are the requirements to qualify for a Pardon?

You have been convicted of a violation of Oklahoma law, either a felony or a misdemeanor.

You have no pending charges.

You are not currently in jail or prison.

You have discharged all sentences, or successfully completed parole or a suspended sentence.

You cannot have been considered or investigated for a pardon within the past year.

How long does a Pardon take?

Generally, about a year. After the Application is completed and submitted, the Pardon & Parole Board will then assign a Pardon & Parole Officer to do a personal interview of the Applicant and an investigation of the materials submitted. The Officer then submits his recommendation to the Pardon & Parole Board, who meet once a month. Between six to nine months later, the Pardon & Parole Board will then consider the Application and the Officer's recommendation and make their own recommendation to the Governor. The Governor then makes the final decision, generally within about 90 days. All together the entire process moves at a bureaucratic speed, and can take up to a year.

Will a Pardon erase a convicted felon's criminal record?

No. A Pardon represents official forgiveness from the Governor and the Pardon & Parole Board for a criminal record, but the record remains. Only an expungement will clear a convicted felon's criminal record.

However, after a pardon is completed, the criminal record will be updated to show that the crime has been pardoned - this update occurs in both the Court records of a case and on a person's OSBI background check.

Can I apply for a Pardon for only the conviction that matters to me, or do I have to apply on all of them?

You have to apply for a Pardon on all of your convictions. In both misdemeanor and felony cases, a "conviction" can include the following: pleading guilty and just paying a fine without probation, being sentenced to jail time, and getting a suspended sentence (a type of probation), among other things. Failure to include all convictions in your Pardon application can be grounds for denial, so it is exceptionally important to include your all convictions from your entire criminal record.