A governor's pardon is like the Loch Ness monster... everyone has heard that it
exists, but very few people have actually seen one.
We have experience with the pardon process, and have an excellent record getting
the pardon application through the parole board and onto the governor's desk.
The pardon process in Arkansas allows for two different types of pardons: a full
pardon and a "firearms only" pardon, which only allows the holder to own or
possess firearms. Our experience is that a full pardon is actually slightly easier to
obtain than a "firearms only" pardon, because it does not require a letter from the
chief law enforcement officer in the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.
Even so, the pardon process can be very political, and our number one goal in
getting our client's application approved is to make it stand out from all the other
applications that are submitted during the year. This includes seeking written
recommendations and endorsements from political figures, clergy, and other
influential persons. It also includes creating a written narrative with the sole
purpose of convincing the parole board, and the governor's staff, that our client is an
ideal candidate for executive clemency, that he is unlikely to re-offend, that he is
rehabilitated, and has become a productive member of society.
Once you receive your pardon from the governor, you can not only state that the
conviction never occurred, you can also state that the underlying conduct that led to
the conviction did not occur. You will have your ability to own a firearm re-instated,
so that you may hunt or obtain a concealed carry license. Your record will also be
cleared for purposes of a criminal background check.