You grew up in a rough neighborhood. As a young adult, you had your share of arrests for a variety of stuff, perhaps in more than one county. Nevertheless, at some point you knew you had to change. And you did. For the most part, your life is going pretty well, except it could be even better if you could clear your criminal record. Can you get a pardon for multiple offenses even if they are in different counties?
The answer is yes.
The governor has the legal power to pardon any and all cases at his or her own discretion. Even severe felonies such as murder or armed robbery can be cleared if you can make a case for why you deserve it. Bear in mind the state’s attorney for your case’s county may object and any victims may appear at the hearing on your pardon petition.
To apply for a pardon, you will need to file a petition with the Prisoner Review Board. You may request a hearing and present witnesses there on your behalf. If your cases were in more than one county, you will need to send a copy of your petition and its documentation to each county’s original judge and state’s attorney. An attorney can help present your life story in its most favorable light, both in your petition and at hearing. An attorney can also oversee the evidence needed to show that you have changed your life and regret what happened.
After the hearing, the Board will make a recommendation to the governor, who then has the final say.
If you have questions about clearing your criminal record or another related Illinois criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.
(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)
