DeKalb County Federal Pardons Lawyer

Penalties for federal crimes vary, with some involving restitution over prison time. Fortunately, regardless of why you were convicted of a federal crime and the penalties you faced, a pardon could be in your future. Speak with a DeKalb County federal pardons lawyer to determine your eligibility and necessary next steps to move forward.

Whether it is a state or federal pardon, the power to deny or grant a pardon rests exclusively with the appointed executive. Having an experienced federal defense attorney on your side subsequently ensures you follow all guidelines and furnish necessary information to prevent delay-causing errors.

How Pardons Work

Pardons from the federal government function as official acts of forgiveness for the convicted crime, such as drug trafficking, assorted financial crimes, federal tax evasion, espionage, or large-scale fraud. The forgiveness becomes part of the individual’s criminal record, allowing them to seek employment or continue with their education. A pardon also restores the following:

• The right to vote in county, state, and federal elections
• The right to serve as a Notary Public
• The right to run for public office
• The right to hold public office
• The right to purchase firearms
• The right to serve on a jury

Pardons can additionally prevent deportation if the conviction warrants physical removal from the U.S, such as assault with the intent to kill. However, they are not expungements and therefore do not remove convictions from criminal records. To seek expungement, the person must undergo a separate legal process, which a DeKalb County federal pardons attorney could assist with as well.

The Federal Pardon Application Process

According to Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the president of the United States is the only individual who can grant a federal pardon. The president cannot pardon impeached government officials, but they can pardon the crimes that resulted in impeachment. To apply for a federal pardon, the individual must petition the Department of Justice. To be eligible, they must wait five years after their release, probation, or parole, and refrain from engaging in all unlawful activities. By avoiding illegal actions, the person demonstrates their commitment to remaining an upstanding citizen of their community.

When filling out the application, the person must detail why they are requesting the pardon. Pardon officials consider the petitioner’s acceptance of past crimes, whether they have shown remorse for their actions, and if they seek atonement for their offense(s). A minimum of three character references must be included in the petition. Pardon officials have the right to conduct exhaustive reviews that determine the individual’s “worthiness for relief.” Detailed background checks and inquiries are part of the federal pardons process, all of which a lawyer in DeKalb County could help prepare for. Officials look into the severity of the offense, hardships related to the conviction, whether the individual has other convictions, and the extent and nature of community involvement.

It is important to remember that false statements typically result in denied pardons. Once the president makes their decision, it cannot be appealed. The Office of the Pardon Attorney does not issue any information related to the case or its outcome.

Reach Out to a Pardons Attorney in DeKalb County Today to Discuss Your Conviction

If you are ready to petition the president, contact a DeKalb County federal pardons lawyer to assist you. A distinguished attorney could review your conviction in detail, your community activities, and all other factors related to the pardon application. Let legal counsel help you during this challenging time. Call today to begin work on your petition.