A pardon in Wisconsin is an act of official forgiveness granted by the Governor. It does not erase or seal the conviction from your criminal record, but it can restore certain civil rights lost because of the conviction. These rights include the ability to vote, hold a public office, obtain certain professional licenses, and serve on a jury. A pardon serves as a formal acknowledgment of an individual’s rehabilitation and signifies that the state has forgiven the offense, though the record of the conviction remains publicly accessible.
Understanding Pardon Eligibility in Wisconsin
To apply for a pardon in Wisconsin, you must meet specific criteria. Only individuals convicted of a Wisconsin state felony are eligible; federal convictions or those from other states are not considered. A primary requirement is the full completion of the sentence, which includes any time in confinement as well as all periods of probation, parole, or extended supervision.
After the sentence is fully discharged, there is a required waiting period of at least five years. This five-year window is to provide sufficient time for an applicant to demonstrate a law-abiding life. You cannot have any pending criminal charges, and individuals required to register as a sex offender are ineligible.
Gathering Information and Required Documentation for Your Pardon Application
Before beginning the application, you must gather extensive personal and legal documentation. This includes your full legal name, any aliases, date of birth, and a detailed history of your addresses. You will need precise details about the felony conviction for which you are seeking a pardon, including the specific offense, case number, date of conviction, and the sentencing court. This information is found on official court records like the Judgment of Conviction.
You must obtain certified court documents for the conviction, which can be acquired from the clerk of courts in the county where you were sentenced. Proof of sentence completion is also necessary and can be requested from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The official pardon application form is available on the Governor of Wisconsin’s official website. Assembling letters of recommendation is another step; these should be from individuals who can speak to your character and rehabilitation.
Supporting evidence of your rehabilitation is a central part of the application. This can include proof of employment history, educational achievements, and records of military service. Documentation of successfully completed treatment programs, counseling sessions, or participation in community service and volunteer activities further strengthens your case.
Completing the Wisconsin Pardon Application Form
When you have all the necessary documents, you can begin filling out the Wisconsin Pardon Application form. You will need to carefully transfer the information from the court records and other documents you gathered, ensuring that case numbers and dates are entered exactly as they appear on the official papers. An incomplete or inaccurate application can lead to significant delays or an initial rejection.
A significant portion of the application is the personal narrative, where you explain your reasons for seeking a pardon. This is your opportunity to express remorse for your past actions and detail the ways you have rehabilitated and changed your life. You should describe your positive contributions to your community and your future goals. The application must be notarized, confirming that the information you have provided is true to the best of your knowledge.
Submitting Your Completed Pardon Application
Once the application form is complete, notarized, and all supporting documents are compiled, you must mail the original application to the Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board. The specific mailing address is provided on the application form and the Governor’s website. There are no fees required to submit a pardon application in Wisconsin. It is advisable to keep a complete copy of the entire application package for your own records. After submission, the Pardon Advisory Board will conduct an initial review for eligibility and completeness.
The Pardon Review Process in Wisconsin
After your application is received and deemed complete, it enters a multi-stage review process. The Pardon Advisory Board staff first conducts a supplemental review to confirm eligibility and analyze the case details. The Board considers several factors, including the seriousness of the offense, your conduct since the conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, and your demonstrated need for a pardon. This review can take many months.
Most applicants who pass the initial reviews will be scheduled for a hearing before the Pardon Advisory Board, and are notified about a month in advance. At least three weeks before this hearing, you must send a notice to the sentencing judge and the district attorney in the county where you were convicted.1Justia. Wisconsin Statutes § 304.09 — Notice of Pardon Application At the hearing, you will be questioned about your offense and your life since the conviction.
Following the hearing, the Board votes on whether to recommend you for a pardon. The Board’s vote is a recommendation; the final decision rests solely with the Governor.2Justia. Wisconsin Constitution Article V § 6 – Pardoning Power If the Board votes to recommend a pardon, your application is forwarded to the Governor for a final review. There is no set timeframe for when the Governor will make a final decision.