“It’s a privilege to be able to hear the unique personal stories of individuals who’ve worked hard to make amends, give back to their community, and grow beyond their past mistakes,” said Gov. Evers. “It is inspiring to hear the positive impact these folks are having on their families and loved ones, their local communities and churches, and the workforce, and I am grateful to be able to play a part in giving these folks the second chance they deserve.”
The Wisconsin Constitution grants the governor the power to pardon individuals convicted of a crime. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness that restores rights lost when someone is convicted of a felony, including the right to serve on a jury, hold public office, and hold certain professional licenses. A pardon does not expunge court records. Under Executive Order #30, individuals convicted of a Wisconsin felony may apply for a pardon if they completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges. Individuals currently required to register on the sex offender registry are ineligible for a pardon. Executive Order #130 established an expedited review process for applications that meet stricter criteria, including a greater length of time elapsed since sentence completion and nonviolent nature of the offenses.
The pardon application, instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions about the pardon process can be found on the governor’s website at www.evers.wi.gov/pardons.
