Cleveland, Ohio – Launched in December 2019, the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project is marking a major turning point with almost 200 pardons given to help rehabilitated individuals overcome the long-term effects of their criminal histories. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine debuted this project, which was honored at Cleveland State University with an emphasis on its success in changing lives and offering new opportunities.
Since its launch, the Expedited Pardon Project has simplified the convoluted and sometimes intimidating Ohio pardon application procedure. Designed to assist those who have shown real rehabilitation and a dedication to good society contributions, the project has pardoned 182 people—including 74 in the past year alone.
“Even for those who’ve learned from their mistakes and have gone on to live good lives, a criminal history shuts the door on certain career, education, and volunteer opportunities,” said Governor DeWine in a news release. “Through the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, we are helping to remove the obstacles for those who have become upstanding citizens,” Gov. DeWine added.
Delivering these remarks, the governor personally signed the pardons for two people at the event, thus signifying their official release from the shadow of their past crimes.
The initiative operates through a partnership among the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and several legal institutions, including The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, the University of Akron School of Law, Cleveland State University College of Law, the University of Dayton School of Law, and the Ohio Justice & Policy Center in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati College of Law. This partnership guarantees candidates complete help and direction through the pardon process.
The main goal of the Expedited Pardon Project is eliminating bureaucratic red tape that usually delays the pardon procedure. Fast tracking the applications guarantees a faster result, so enabling grantees to go forward in life free from the weight of a criminal record hovering over their head. The initiative not only speeds up the application process but also provides one-on-one legal school help, therefore enabling candidates to get free legal advice.
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A total of 543 candidates have qualified for the project; more than 275 are actively negotiating the several phases of the expedited application process. Aimed at guaranteeing that only those who have shown real rehabilitation and a continuous period of law-abiding behavior are taken into consideration, eligibility for the project requires meeting the criteria outlined by the program.
Moreover, Ohio law has lately changed to improve the advantages of getting a pardon. The governor now has the power to automatically mark the records of pardoned individuals, therefore facilitating their social integration. Those forgiven before September 2021 also have the chance to have their records sealed. This guarantees that their past mistakes won’t limit their chances going forward.
Many people find optimism in the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, which highlights the state’s dedication to rehabilitation and justice. For more details on the project or to check eligibility for applying, individuals are encouraged to visit the official website at ohioexpeditedpardon.org, which provides comprehensive information and resources to assist potential applicants in starting anew.
