N
The Global Insight

How long does the pardon process take in PA?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 24, 2026

How Long Does the Pardon Process Take in Pennsylvania? It varies, but typically takes several years (which is why you’ll want an experienced pardon attorney who knows the process inside and out.). Simply ordering your complete criminal record from the Pennsylvania State Police alone can take up to six months.

How do I get a PA governor’s pardon?

You will need to file a petition and attach the signed pardon document from the Governor. A judge will then order that the record be expunged, and within two to six months, all records of the crime for which you received a pardon will be erased by both the court and the Pennsylvania State Police.

How hard is it to get a pardon in PA?

You can contact the Board of Pardons at 717-787-2596 or check their website at for more information. Applying for a pardon is not difficult. You must be willing to complete the application and be patient.

Who is eligible for a pardon in Pennsylvania?

Any person who has been convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania can apply for a pardon. Typically, your chances are better if you’ve committed only one minor offense more than five years ago, or a more serious offense more than 10 years ago.

How long does a felony stay on your record in PA?

The expungement law in Pennsylvania allows a felony to be expunged ONLY if: 1) person has been dead for 3 years; OR 2) if the person is 70 years old and has not been convicted of a new offense within 10 years of completion of the sentence.

Can you buy a gun in PA with a felony on your record?

The Gun Control Act of 1968, a Federal law, prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by more than two years in prison, or a domestic-violence misdemeanor from purchasing or possessing a firearm. …

How long does a felony stay on your record in Pennsylvania?

Can a convicted felon own a gun after 10 years in PA?

Can a felon get gun rights back in PA?

In Pennsylvania you must have your civil rights in order to have the federal law lifted that prohibits felons from possessing a firearm. Your voting rights are restored immediately upon release from incarceration so you do not have to restore your right to vote.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in Pennsylvania?

Under federal law, people are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms if they have been convicted of a felony or some domestic violence misdemeanors, or if they are subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence or a serious mental condition.

What happens if my pardon application is denied?

According to those rules, if you submit a presidential pardon application to the Office of the Pardon Attorney and that application is denied you must wait another two years before submitting a new application for a pardon.

What is a Pennsylvania pardon?

A pardon is an act of clemency or forgiveness carried out by the Governor of Pennsylvania that is a fundamental step towards completely eliminating a criminal conviction from a person’s criminal record. (Although being granted a pardon in Pennsylvania will not clear a criminal record by itself,…

What is pardon request?

It is typically used to remove a criminal record against a good citizen for a small crime that may have been committed during adolescence or young adulthood. Although procedures vary from one state to another, the request for a pardon usually involves a lengthy period of time of irreproachable behavior and a reference check.