Oregon offers pardons for some crimes that may otherwise stay on your record. If you have looked at other record clearance options and still have not found a path forward, a pardon may be right for you. On this page, we explain what a pardon is, how the process works, who may qualify, and what a pardon can do for your record. We also show how pardons fit within Oregon record clearance so you can better understand your options and take the next step with confidence.
What Is a Pardon
A pardon is a decision by the governor that forgives a conviction and can remove many of the legal effects that come with it. Unlike other Oregon record clearance options, a pardon does not follow a strict set of rules. Instead, the governor decides each case based on the facts and the person’s story.
Because of this, pardons can help people who do not qualify for other forms of record clearance. However, that also means there is no guaranteed outcome. Each application stands on its own, and results can vary.
Getting a pardon leads to strong results. Once granted, it can remove penalties tied to a conviction and leads to the record being sealed. Because it is easy to access and has such strong results, a pardon is an important option for people who have no other path to record clearance.
How Do You Get an Oregon Pardon
Getting a pardon in Oregon involves a few key stages, from reviewing your record to preparing and submitting an application, and then waiting for the governor’s decision. The sections below outline how each part of the process works so you know what to expect.
Check Your Record
First, review your record. This helps you decide if a pardon makes sense for your situation. Pardons have few formal requirements, but some applications are stronger than others.
For example, older cases may have a better chance than newer ones. Less serious offenses may also be easier to pardon. The governor reviews each application based on the evidence you provide, so your record and your progress since the offense both matter.
If you are not sure what is on your record, you can use our tool to check. That gives you a clear starting point before you apply.
File Your Application for Oregon Pardon
Next, you prepare and file your application. Oregon does not provide a strict template, but the state asks for specific details, including:.
- Identifying information
- Information about your crimes
- How your life has changed after the crime
- Reasons that you feel a pardon is justified
You can find an example template [link]here.[/link]
After you prepare your application, you must send it to several agencies. These include the DA of the county where the conviction occurred, the DA of the county where your ‘correctional facility’ is located if you are incarcerated, the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, and The Director of the Department of Corrections.
Governor Review
After your application is filed, the governor reviews it along with details about your case. The district attorney and any victims can also submit statements.
The governor must wait at least 30 days before granting a pardon. Applications also expire after 180 days if no decision is made.
Oregon Pardon Is Granted
If the governor grants your pardon, the process ends there. State officials are notified, and steps are taken to update your record. At that point, the process is complete. With a pardon in place, you can move forward with more freedom and fewer limits tied to your past.
Eligibility for a Pardon
Pardons in Oregon do not follow a strict checklist. Some situations follow unique rules or have special programs tied to pardons. However, there are general rules and patterns that can help you understand if you may be a good candidate.
General
In most cases, crimes that qualify for a set aside are not the focus of the pardon process. The state expects people to try other record clearance options first, and it is not recommended to try pardoning a record that is eligible for other forms of clearance.
Pardons are reviewed based on attempts at rehabilitation and the details of the crime. This means the governor looks at how your life has changed since the offense and whether there are strong reasons to grant forgiveness.
A strong application often includes clear proof of change. This may include steady work, community involvement, statements from people who know you, and other signs of progress. All of this should work together to show why a pardon is justified.
Marijuana Cases
In 2022, Governor Kate Brown granted pardons to more than 45,000 people with certain marijuana possession cases. These cases involved possession of less than one ounce for people age 21 or older. The state provides more information and a request form for people who may fall into this group. If your case fits these details, it is worth checking your status to see if a pardon already applies.
Before 2014
Oregon has also recognized that some older pardoned cases were never fully sealed. Because of this, people who received a pardon on or before June 12, 2014 can request sealing for those cases.
This process is simpler than applying for a new pardon. It can help make sure you receive the full benefits tied to a pardon.
Benefits of a Pardon
A pardon can lead to meaningful changes in your record and your daily life. While outcomes can vary, there are several common benefits people may see after a pardon is granted.
First, pardoned crimes are often sealed. This means the general public cannot access them, and they usually do not appear on background checks. As a result, it can be easier to find housing, apply for jobs, and move forward.
A pardon can also remove penalties tied to a conviction. This may include restoring certain rights or resolving financial penalties connected to the case.
While Rasa Legal does not offer pardon services, you can still take an important first step. You can use our eligibility tool to see what appears on your record. That information can help you prepare a stronger application and understand your options for record clearance.
We don’t offer services in Oregon quite yet, but you can sign up here to be notified when our services go live.