For a Pardon

A pardon sets aside a criminal conviction, restoring a person’s rights and removing many consequences of that conviction.

The person requesting a pardon must explain why they are a good candidate for a pardon. In Minnesota, the Clemency Review Commission considers the request and makes a recommendation to the Board of Pardons about whether the pardon should be approved or denied. The Board of Pardons then makes the decision to grant or deny the pardon.