Pardons

Definition

A pardon is an act of forgiveness which may be requested by an individual for a specific crime(s) that have been committed. A pardon can only be granted by the Governor after a hearing and a favorable recommendation by the majority of the Pardon and Parole Board. 

A pardon is not a parole or commutation. A pardon does not clear a criminal record, but does acknowledge that someone has worked hard to become a productive, law-abiding citizen after making mistakes in the past. A pardon is NOT necessary in order to receive an expungement of a criminal record.

Eligibility

Those who are currently incarcerated cannot apply for a pardon and a pardon will not release an inmate from prison. In order to be eligible for a pardon, a person:

(1) Must have been convicted of an Oklahoma law violation, either a felony or misdemeanor, or a crime of moral turpitude involving alcohol or an illegal drug offense in an Oklahoma  Municipal Court. Traffic misdemeanor convictions are NOT eligible for a pardon.

(2) Must either have discharged all sentences, including supervision, or successfully completed five consecutive years of parole or probation immediately prior to application with no new offenses and, if still under supervision, a favorable recommendation from the applicant's supervising officer.

have fully completed the entire sentence, including parole, probation, and post-imprisonment supervision.

(3) Must have paid all fines, fees, restitution, court costs, etc. in full.

(4) Must not have any new or pending charges, unresolved detainers, warrants, tax liens, or child support arrearages.

(5) Must not currently be in jail or prison.

(6) Must not have been considered for a pardon within the previous three (3) years.

Any cases from other jurisdictions must also meet these criteria, even though not eligible for an Oklahoma pardon.

Federal Convictions

The Governor cannot pardon federal convictions or convictions from other states. If you are seeking a pardon for a federal conviction, you should contact the Office of the Pardon Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, 1425 New York Ave., N.W. Suite 1100, Washington, D.C. 20530 (202) 616-6070.

Expungements

For more information on expungement, visit the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation's Expungement Questions page on their website.

Application

Go to https://ppbpardonapplication.powerappsportals.us

Pardon Hearings

Board Members conduct a Pardon Hearing and in order for the pardon to proceed, a majority of the Board must make a favorable recommendation to the Governor. To be granted a favorable recommendation for pardon, the applicant must have demonstrated good citizenship, as well as a specific, verified, and compelling need for a pardon. In making its decision, the Board views the entire application packet.