Utah Pardons

A pardon is a powerful tool for clearing a criminal record in Utah. When someone receives a pardon from the Utah Board of Pardons & Parole, their conviction(s) can be removed from their record. They get back the rights and privileges lost because of their record/the crime, and they are released from the punishment and disabilities that come with their conviction. A pardon makes otherwise ineligible records have way less of an effect on the record holder’s life. 

Because pardons are granted by the  Utah Board of Pardons & Parole, they are not guaranteed. However, for people who do not qualify for expungement, a pardon may be the best option for clearing a record.

Who Can Benefit from a Pardon?

A pardon is a great option for:

  • People who do not qualify for expungement due to the type or number of convictions.
  • Individuals who have shown rehabilitation and want a fresh start.
  • Anyone looking to really lessen the impact a record has on their life

Important Note About Pardons

At this time, Rasa does not offer assistance with pardons. However, the Utah Board of Pardons & Parole provides a clear application process online. If you are looking for other record-clearing options, Rasa can help you explore expungement, 402 reductions, and other legal relief options.

Even if you plan to apply for a pardon, you must first go through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and apply for (and be deemed ineligible) an expungement. We have information on the expungement process etc. here.

Understanding the Pardons Process

The Utah Board of Pardons & Parole is responsible for granting pardons. The board is made up of 5 people appointed by the governor. The pardons process is different from expungement because pardons are granted at the board’s discretion. This means the board gets to decide who does and who does not get a pardon. While there are clear steps to follow, approval is not guaranteed.

How the Pardon Process Works

There are several steps you must take to get a pardon. While these steps are not guaranteed to get you a pardon, failing to do them makes it so you cannot get a pardon. These steps are:

    1. Apply for Expungement Through BCI
      • Before applying for a pardon, you have to apply for expungement through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), even if you do not qualify.
    2. Obtain a Criminal History Report
      • BCI provides a full criminal history report, which must be included with the pardon application.
      • This report gives the board an overview of your past convictions.
    3. Gather Additional Required Documents
      • You  must obtain a court docket and police report – These documents detail the original case and conviction.
      • You must obtain your presentence investigation and probation reports – If available, these provide additional background on your case. If you can’t get these reports, you must show that you made a reasonable effort to find them.
      • You may also include things like proof of treatment and letters of recommendation.
    4. Submit the Pardon Application
      • The official pardon application, with instructions, is available online through the Utah Board of Pardons & Parole.
      • The application must include all required documents and a statement explaining why a pardon is justified.
    5. Attend a Pardon Hearing
      • The Board of Pardons & Parole holds a public hearing for each pardon request.
      • In person attendance is mandatory, and applicants must present their case in front of the board.
    6. Decision is Made
      • The board will vote on whether to grant the pardon.
      • Each case is decided on an individual basis. This means there are no hard and fast rules about what is or is not pardoned. 
  • Apply for Board of Pardons Expungement

Once Pardon Orders are obtained, you can request that BCI complete an expungement based on the pardon by completing the application found here.

Places to Check

For more information on the Pardons process, check out the Board of Pardons and Paroles website, which has a ton of information on the process itself. There are also several organizations that can help you navigate the pardons process or do it for less money, Clean Slate Utah is an example of this type of organization.

Eligibility for a Pardon

Not everyone qualifies for a pardon in Utah. The Utah Board of Pardons & Parole carefully reviews applications, and approval is not guaranteed. However, individuals who meet certain criteria may have a better chance of success.

Who is Eligible for a Pardon?

Usually pardons are only granted when:

  • At least five years must have passed since the absolute discharge of your sentence, including parole or probation.
  • You have completed all sentencing requirements, including paying any outstanding fines, fees, or restitution.
  • In all cases, only state convictions are eligible – Federal offenses cannot be pardoned by the state.

Even though the five-year waiting period is a general rule, the board can choose to ignore this rule in some cases.

Who is NOT Eligible for a Pardon?

Some convictions and circumstances do not qualify for a pardon, including:

  • Federal offenses – The Utah Board of Pardons & Parole cannot pardon crimes under federal jurisdiction.
  • Out-of-state convictions – Only Utah state convictions are eligible.
  • Class C misdemeanors, infractions, and non-convictions – These are not eligible for pardons because they usually don’t need one and can be expunged.

Where to Get Started

While Rasa does not offer Pardons services right now, there are a lot of options to make the process easier and more accessible. A pardon is a great way forward for people who don’t qualify for other types of clearing, who would still like their record to be as invisible as possible. You can also use our eligibility tool to see if you qualify for different types of record clearing. 

Why Clearing Your Record Matters

  • No More Penalties/Disabilities - Getting a pardon means you don’t have to deal with the pardons and penalties associated with your conviction any more. This has huge benefits, both in the ways listed below and elsewhere. 
  • Better Employment Opportunities – Many employers hesitate to hire individuals with a criminal record. Clearing your record can help remove barriers to finding a job.
  • Easier Housing Applications – Landlords often check criminal records before renting. A clear record can make it easier to get approved.
  • Restoring Rights – A pardon or other record-clearing options may help restore important rights, such as firearm ownership and professional licensing.

Who Can Help

There are a few different places that have good information and help in getting a pardon in Utah. The Utah Board of Pardons and Paroles has information and applications to help you start the process today. Clean Slate Utah has information and can help you get a pardon more quickly and for less money than it would cost to do it alone. Finally, Rasa offers information on other types of clearing in case you’ve decided Pardons aren’t right for you.