Expedited marijuana pardons project helps those with minor, non-violent convictions

(July 31, 2020, updated April 2021) Have a minor, marijuana-related criminal conviction? LASP's Community Engagement Unit is helping people apply for the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons' expedited review program in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. The Board of Pardons started the program in fall 2019. In June, LASP reached out to more than 1,300 people potentially eligible for expedited pardons.

To be eligible, applicants must have non-violent, marijuana-specific convictions. The Board of Pardons website outlines eligibility, exceptions, and provides a downloadable application packet and resources for treatment:

https://www.bop.pa.gov/Apply%20for%20Clemency/Pages/Expedited-Review-Program.aspx

If successful, a client could obtain a pardon in 9-12 months instead of two to three years.

The Board of Pardons website notes, "While there certainly is no guarantee that applicants for this program will receive a favorable decision from the Board, it should be noted that there will be less of an emphasis on how recent the conviction is, and more of an emphasis on how compelling the applicant is at demonstrating how a pardon would improve their overall quality of life."

A client whose pardon application is approved then must get the record expunged. UPDATE: A new law, Act 83 of 2020, will go into effect in late October 2021 and will automatically seal records that have been pardoned. Criminal records expungements improve access to jobs, education and housing, all which increase stability and economic viability for clients.

For more information about the program or to check your eligibility for an expedited pardon review, please contact the Helpline at 877-429-5994, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. You can also complete an online application: lasp.org/apply.