Dec. 18—CLEVELAND — During a celebration at Cleveland State University on Dec. 12, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that nearly 200 people have been pardoned in the first five years of the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project.
DeWine launched the project in December 2019 to simplify and expedite the lengthy pardon application process for certain rehabilitated citizens who have consistently demonstrated that they have become law-abiding and contributing members of society in the years since their conviction.
To date, 182 individuals have received expedited pardons through the program, including 74 people who were pardoned in the past 12 months alone. Two pardon recipients stood with DeWine today as he signed their pardons.
“Even for those who have learned from their mistakes and lived good lives, a criminal history closes the door to certain career, educational and volunteer opportunities,” DeWine said.
“Through the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, we are helping remove barriers for those who have become upstanding citizens.”
The Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project eliminates administrative hurdles in the complex pardon application process and provides free one-on-one support from partnering Ohio law schools. Pardon requests submitted through the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project are also processed expeditiously for consideration by the Ohio Parole Board and ultimately the Governor.
The program works in collaboration between the Ohio Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, 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 Law. Dayton School of Law and the Ohio Justice & Policy Center in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Since 2019, 543 applicants have met the criteria to participate in the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, with more than 275 people currently in various stages of the expedited pardon application process.
To be accepted into the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, applicants must meet several program requirements. Those who do not qualify for the program can still apply for a pardon through the traditional application route.
Since the creation of the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, Ohio law has changed to allow the governor to automatically seal the records of those who have received pardons. Anyone who was pardoned before September 2021 can also take steps to have their record sealed.
For more information about the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, including how to apply and minimum eligibility requirements, visit ohioexpeditedpardon.org.
