The Pardon & Clemency in Florida is the process by which the Governor of Florida may grant clemency to a person convicted of a crime.
The process for obtaining a pardon in Florida is entirely discretionary and is up to the Governor to decide. There is no formal application or review process, and pardons can be granted for any reason at the sole discretion of the Governor. A pardon does not expunge a person’s criminal record, but it does restore certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess a firearm.
There have been several notable cases of pardons being granted in Florida, including the high-profile case of Casey Anthony. In 2012, Anthony was acquitted of all charges related to the death of her daughter, but she was subsequently granted a pardon by Governor Rick Scott.
Who is Eligible to Get a Pardon in Florida?
To be eligible for a pardon in Florida, you must have been convicted of a crime. There is no minimum or maximum sentence that must be served before you are eligible for a pardon, and there is no waiting period after you have been released from prison before you can apply for a pardon.
Can I Get a Pardon if I Have Already Been Released from Prison?
Yes, you can apply for a pardon even if you have already been released from prison. There is no waiting period after you have been released from prison before you can apply for a pardon.
Will My Criminal Record Be Expunged if I am Granted a Pardon?
No, a pardon does not expunge your criminal record. However, a pardon will restore certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess a firearm.
What is the Difference Between a Pardon and Clemency?
The main difference between a pardon and clemency is that a pardon does not expunge a person’s criminal record, whereas clemency does. Both pardons and clemency are granted at the sole discretion of the Governor, and there is no formal process or procedure for requesting either one.
Types of Clemency in Florida
Two types of clemency can be granted in Florida: full and partial.
Full clemency restores all civil rights to the person convicted of a crime, including the right to vote and possess a firearm. Partial clemency only restores some civil rights, such as the right to vote.
Clemency can be granted for any reason, at the sole discretion of the Governor, and there is no minimum or maximum sentence that must be served before clemency can be granted. Clemency does not expunge a person’s criminal record, but it does restore certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess a firearm.
What Happens if My Pardon is Denied?
If your pardon is denied, you will remain convicted of the crime and will not have your criminal record expunged. You may reapply for a pardon at any time, but there is no guarantee that your pardon will be granted if you do reapply.
Can I Get a Pardon if I Have Been Convicted of More Than One Crime?
Yes, you can apply for a pardon even if you have been convicted of more than one crime. There is no limit on the number of pardons that can be granted, and each pardon is considered on a case-by-case basis.
What Happens if My Pardon is Granted?
If your pardon is granted, your criminal record will not be expunged. However, the pardon will be noted on your criminal record and will serve as official notice that you have been forgiven for your crime. Once you have been granted a pardon, you will regain certain civil rights that were taken away when you were convicted of a crime, such as the right to vote or possess a firearm.
What are the Chances of Getting a Pardon in Florida?
There is no way to predict whether or not you will be granted a pardon in Florida. Pardons are entirely discretionary and are up to the Governor to decide. However, if you have been convicted of a crime and are seeking a pardon, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can advise you on the best course of action.