I Beg Your Pardon. Will My Criminal Conviction as a 19 Year Old Follow Me to My Grave?

Dear Attorney Baron:

As a stupid teenager, I tended to get in alot of trouble.  I was convicted for a crime when I was 19.  I can't tell you how many jobs I have lost for having to answer yes to the question "have you ever been convicted of a crime."  I am now 37 years old and a different person. I have a wife and children.  I am no longer that 19 year old idiot. Am I stuck for life with this conviction over my head?

I Beg Your Pardon

Dear Beg:

You'll be happy to know that you might be able to erase that conviction from your record by seeking a pardon.  Pardons are not just for rich campaign donors of powerful politicians or for death row inmates waiting for a call from the governor.  In Connecticut, there are basically two types of pardons available to you.  The first is an "expungement pardon".   You may apply to the Board of Pardons for an expungement 3 years after the date of the disposition of your most recent misdemeanor conviction and/or 5 years after your most recent felony conviction.   This type of pardon is like a magic wand.  It erases your criminal record.  You would be able to answer honestly that you have never been convicted of a crime. Its like getting a mulligan in golf.  The second type of pardon is a "provisional pardon."  This type doesn't erase your offense from the record.  Instead it merely states that you are employable and that it is illegal form an employer to deny you a job based on your record alone. 

The Board of Pardons processes applications on a first come-first served basis with approximately eight hearings annually.  The whole process takes about a year as it involves a stringent review by various agencies including the State Police, the Pardons Board, and the Judicial Department.  On your application, you will have to list all of the offenses you have ever been convicted of along with explanations.  If you fail to do so, your application can be denied and you won't  be able to apply for another year.  You should also have no pending court cases.  If you do, the Board will not hear your case.  At the hearing, they will consider several factors including input from the victim and/or the state's attorney and letters of recommendation on your behalf.  The Board will also consider how much time has passed and what kind of life you have lead since the crime.   

A graduate of Rocky Hill High School, Attorney Adrian Baron is a partner in the law office of Podorowsky Thompson & Baron.   A nationally recognized award winning legal writer, Adrian's diverse background includes several years working as an aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  In 2012, Attorney Baron was selected as a Superlawyer New England Rising Star Under 40, a distinction given to only 2.5% attorneys in the state. His practice areas include criminal defense, personal injury, divorce law, real estate and estate planning.  You can learn more about Adrian at www.ptblegal.com  This blog is for informational purposes only.  Always consult with an attorney.