A criminal conviction does not have to follow you forever. In South Carolina, the pardon process offers people who have completed their sentences an opportunity to restore the civil rights they lost and move forward with a clean slate. At The Laubshire Law Firm, LLC, our criminal defense team helps people in Columbia and throughout South Carolina navigate the pardon process, providing the guidance they need to put their best case forward.
What a South Carolina Pardon Does and Does Not Do
A pardon in South Carolina means you are fully forgiven for all the legal consequences of your crime and conviction. Once granted, a pardon restores the civil rights you lost as a result of the conviction, including the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and the right to hold public office. It also removes barriers to obtaining certain professional licenses and can strengthen your position when applying for employment.
It is important to understand, however, that a pardon does not expunge or erase your criminal record. The conviction will still appear on background checks, and you will still need to disclose it when asked, though you can note that you have been pardoned. If your goal is to have the record itself removed, a separate expungement process would apply, and eligibility for expungement depends on the offense.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Pardon in South Carolina
Pardons in South Carolina are granted by the South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons, not the Governor. To be eligible, you must have completed your sentence, including any term of probation, and paid all restitution and court-ordered fees in full. Parolees may apply after completing at least five years under supervision. Eligibility is not limited by the type or seriousness of the offense, meaning people with a wide range of convictions may apply.
How the Pardon Process Works
The pardon process begins with a formal application submitted to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, along with a non-refundable $100 filing fee and letters of support from people who can speak to your character and rehabilitation. The application is reviewed and investigated, and a hearing is scheduled before the Board, which typically takes seven to nine months from the time a complete application is received. At the hearing, you have the opportunity to appear and present your case. A pardon requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the Board members.
Why the Right Legal Help Makes a Difference
The pardon application process is thorough, and a poorly prepared application or hearing can cost you the opportunity. Having an attorney help you organize your submission, prepare your supporting materials, and present your story effectively to the Board can meaningfully strengthen your chances. Our firm understands both sides of the criminal justice system and can help you frame your application in the way most likely to resonate with the Board.
Contact Our Columbia Pardons Attorneys
If you are ready to pursue a pardon and start rebuilding your future, The Laubshire Law Firm, LLC is here to help. Contact us online or call us at 803-708-4755 to schedule a free consultation and learn whether you qualify and how to give your application the best possible chance of success.
