Full question:
How do I go about getting a pardon from the Governor’s office for conviction of family violence that happened ten years ago?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Expungement of Criminal Records
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
To seek a pardon from the Governor's office for a family violence conviction, follow these steps:
1. **Check Eligibility**: Review the eligibility requirements for a full pardon. You must have completed your sentence, including any parole or probation. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles will consider requests for individuals who have discharged their sentences, including jail sentences and probated sentences, among others.
2. **Gather Documentation**: Before applying, collect the necessary documentation as outlined in the pardon checklist. This includes:
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with you (not family members).
- An official criminal history statement from your county sheriff.
- Certified court documents related to your conviction.
- Offense reports from the law enforcement agency that arrested you.
3. **Request Application**: Once you have your documentation, request a full pardon application form from the Executive Clemency Section of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. You can contact them at:
TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES
ATTN: EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY SECTION
8610 SHOAL CREEK BLVD.
AUSTIN, TX 78757
PHONE
4. **Submit Application**: After receiving the application form, you have three months to complete and return it along with your documentation. Do not submit documents without a completed application.
5. **Understand Limitations**: A full pardon restores certain civil rights, such as the right to vote and hold public office, but it does not automatically restore the right to bear arms or expunge your criminal record. Additionally, outstanding fines or fees must still be addressed.
For more information, visit the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles website or contact them directly.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.