June 2025 Pennsylvania Board of Pardons Hearing — What It Means for Restoring Your Rights

By Anastasia Lehneis, Marketing + Business Development

If you’ve ever thought about applying for a pardon in Pennsylvania, here’s the truth: it’s not easy. The Board of Pardons doesn’t hand out second chances lightly. We were reminded of that during the June 2025 public hearings, where applicants sat before the Board hoping to prove they’ve changed, grown, and earned another shot at life without a criminal record hanging over them.

These hearings are intense. And if you’re on the road to a pardon, or even just thinking about it, it’s important to know what you’re up against, how the process works, and how our little team of 5 at Record Eraser have helped thousands of people just like you through it.

What Is a Pardon, and Why Does It Matter?

A pardon is a formal forgiveness from the Governor of Pennsylvania. It doesn’t just mean someone says “it’s okay.” It means your record can be cleared…for real. Once that pardon is granted, if not automatically expunged, you can file for an expungement with our office which erases the offense from the state’s criminal record system.

Most importantly, a pardon:

• Clears the way to restore civil rights, including gun ownership and professional licensing
• Improves access to housing, education, and job opportunities
• Removes the stigma and limitations that come with having a criminal record

For a lot of people, a pardon is the only thing standing between them and the life they want: a better job, stable housing, or just peace of mind knowing their past doesn’t define them anymore.

Getting a Pardon Isn’t a Walk in the Park

Let’s keep it real, the Board is tough. At the June hearings, we saw it again: they ask hard questions, and they’re not just looking at your record. They’re looking at you, your choices, your growth, and yes even your current habits!

For example, if you have a DUI on your record, you can expect questions like:

• “Do you still drink?”
• “When was the last time you drank?”
• “What have you done to stay sober?”

Whether you’ve been clean for 20 years or just started turning your life around, the Board wants to see that you’ve taken ownership and that the behavior that got you into trouble is behind you.

That level of scrutiny can feel scary. But that’s exactly why we’re here.

Reflections from June’s Hearings

The most recent Board sessions underscored a key point: your criminal record stays with you until you take action to remove it. Even if you’ve remained conviction-free for decades, the record is still there. It shows up in state background checks. It limits your civil rights in Pennsylvania. And it won’t disappear unless the Governor grants a pardon.

One hearing moment highlighted how a Pennsylvania conviction can prevent someone from passing a federal background check, even after other forms of legal relief. But once a pardon is granted and the offense is expunged, all rights are restored.

This is why we do what we do. We believe that people deserve a second chance and we have the tools and legal knowledge to make that happen.

What’s Ahead at the Board of Pardons

The next public hearings won’t be until October, but the process keeps moving:

• In July, the Board will hold merit reviews for commutation cases. These are for folks still in prison asking for a shorter sentence.
• In August, they’ll conduct merit reviews for pardon applicants — people like you who are waiting to find out if their case will move forward to a public hearing.

So if you’re in the early stages, this is the perfect time to get your application in. And if you’re already in the process, stay patient, it’s a slow grind, but we’re with you the whole way.

What We Do at Record Eraser PA

Our job is to guide you through the process (from start to finish) with clarity, experience, and real talk. We’ve worked with people from every walk of life: folks who made one mistake 30 years ago, and others who are just now getting out of a rough chapter.

Here’s what we do:

1. Free Record Evaluation – We begin by reviewing your Pennsylvania criminal record and identifying eligible offenses.
2. In-Depth Consultation – Attorney Walmer walks you through your options and helps you understand the path forward.
3. Application Development – We collect necessary documents, request state police and court records, and draft your pardon application, including compelling personal narratives.
4. Letter of Support Guidance – We help you gather powerful letters from employers, faith leaders, educators, and others who believe in your rehabilitation.
5. Hearing Preparation – If your application moves forward, we prep you for your hearing and what to expect from the Board.
6. Expungement Filing – After a successful pardon, we handle the legal process to remove the offense from your state record if not automatically pardoned by the Governor.

Our clients often come to us overwhelmed or discouraged by how long the process takes but we remain with them every step of the way. From start to finish, the journey can span several years, but the outcome is worth the wait: a life no longer defined by past mistakes.

Bottom Line: You Deserve a Second Chance

A mistake in your past shouldn’t define the rest of your life. Whether it’s been five years or fifty, a pardon could be the turning point you need. But it’s not just about filling out a form and hoping for the best. It’s about telling your story, owning your growth, and showing the Board that you’re ready.

We’ve walked this road with hundreds of people holding a Pennsylvania criminal record and we’d be honored to walk it with you.

If you or someone you care about is ready to leave the past behind, the first step is understanding your options. Our team is here to guide you—with experience, compassion, and a commitment to helping you reclaim your future.