Legal Question in Appeals and Writs in Alabama

My wife has a felony on her record from 16 years ago and it is hendering her in her job search. She is a highly skill administrative professional but can get a break because most employers do background checks. What do you recommned we do? How do we go about getting a pardon and you have the info on your site

Thanks

Byron Thomas


Asked on 4/20/10, 9:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

James Coleman Murchison & Howard, LLC

Contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole. Here is information right off their website. Felony convictions are a BIG deal. good luck

Here is the information from the State of Alabama

Q How do I apply for a pardon?

A A request for a pardon can be made by writing the Board of Pardons and Paroles at P O Box 302405, Montgomery AL 36130-2405. The request should include all of the following information:

1) Name under which convicted

2) True Name

3) Sex and race

4) Date of birth

5) Social Security Number

6) AIS# (Alabama Prison number), if you have one

7) Current physical address including county

8) Current mailing address, if different

9) Indicate if the conviction was a State or Federal Conviction

10) Home telephone number

11) Work telephone number, if you have one

12) Complete list of charges, county(s) of conviction and year(s) of conviction.

Q What is involved in the pardon process?

A Once a request is received, it will be assigned to a probation officer for the completion of an investigation. The investigation will include current information on the applicant's home situation, job status, and an updated criminal arrest record, written references and other information as warranted. Once the investigation is complete, a hearing will be set before the Parole Board. Required notification will be sent to the victim, certain officials in the jurisdiction of the conviction, and the applicant. Once all required parties are notified, a hearing will be held before the Parole Board and a decision will be made to grant or deny the pardon request.

Q Are records of conviction destroyed in cases where a pardon is granted with a restoration of civil and political rights?

A No. Alabama does not expunge records. The arrest and conviction will continue to show up when a criminal history is run. It is important to keep a copy of your pardon in case it is ever requested.

Q If the Parole Board grants a pardon, does that restore all of my rights?

A Not necessarily. The Board may grant a full pardon, which restores all rights, or they may grant a pardon with restrictions. The Board may restrict the right to possess a firearm and/or they may require that a person convicted of a sex offense continue to comply with all sex offender restrictions. They may also not relieve an offender of the consequences of the habitual offender act. The Board has the discretion to place other restrictions as deemed appropriate.

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Answered on 4/25/10, 1:44 pm


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