If you are unable to qualify for an expungement in Tennessee, the only way to then redress any issues with your criminal record is through applying for a pardon from the governor. A pardon is officially known as clemency.

In Tennessee, the pardon process is lengthy and difficult. The pardon is a concept in merit – you must truly show to the governor that you are worthy of a pardon and that have you have a really good reason for requesting one. Good reasons, for example, can include wanting to go to school to further one’s education or needing to get a professional certification. The pardon is the legal equivalent of things being forgiven, but not forgotten. A pardon in Tennessee does not erase the conviction from your record, but it shows that you have been forgiven by the state for whatever occurred. A pardon can go a long way toward alleviating the concerns an individual, educational institute or employer may legitimately have about the conviction on your criminal record.

It is important to carefully craft your application for a pardon: two-thirds of pardon applications are rejected outright by the Board of Probation and Parole, who is responsible for offering pardon recommendations to the governor. If the Board feels your application has sufficient merit, a hearing will be scheduled for you where you can make the case that you are worthy of pardon consideration.

The instructions for the Tennessee pardon application lists a few bare minimum requirements: you must have five (5) personal recommendations, you must have fully completed your sentence, and you must have stayed out of trouble since completing your sentence. These are, in fact, the bare minimums. Your chances are helped by the quality and quantity of your recommendations as well as your resume, so to speak, of self-betterment and community involvement. The more you can show the Board that you “deserve” the pardon, the more likely you will be successful.

Like many things of the law, it is best to have a criminal attorney who is familiar with the pardon / clemency process assist you. Needless to say, based on the low success rate alone, obtaining a pardon in Tennessee is not a simple process. You must take careful attention that your best “you” is presented to the Board of Probation and Parole. One must think of the clemency process as a job interview, where you best foot forward is your only hope of getting hired. It is just this way when applying for a pardon; therefore, it is important to make sure you make your best first impression. It is vital that the Board think you worthy of forgiveness the first time they see you, and the only way to ensure that is extensive preparation.

If you would like to inquire about obtaining a pardon, please use the contact form below.