Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogIf you have been convicted of a certain crime in Mississippi, you may have lost some of your rights. It can be difficult to live a normal life with these issues, and you may be wondering how you can clean up your criminal record and regain some of these important freedoms once again. One of your options is a pardon, and this is perhaps one of the best-known options for convicted criminals who want to pursue some degree of “forgiveness.” Is a pardon a realistic goal for you? How does a pardon work, and how can you get one?
These are all questions that are probably best left answered by a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney. If you are serious about pursuing a pardon, it makes sense to consult with one of these legal professionals. During your initial consultation, your attorney can assess your unique situation and determine whether you can realistically pursue a pardon. In addition, they might be able to suggest other options that will restore some of your rights and clean up your criminal record.
Why Do I Need a Pardon?
Pardons are just one example of how criminals can restore some of their rights, but why is this even necessary? To understand the value of a pardon, you need to understand which specific rights you may be losing as a convicted criminal:
- You may lose the right to vote
- You may be ineligible for jury service
- You may be unable to hold office
- You may lose the right to own firearms
How Do I Get a Pardon in Mississippi?
If you are interested in getting a pardon, you should know that there is only one person in the state who has the authority to issue pardons: the governor. As of 2021, that individual is Governor Reeves. The Parole Board is also involved in the process, as they investigate pardon cases at the governor’s request. This board reports to both the governor and the legislature. The only issue is that previous administrations issued pardons in an “irregular manner,” which became a source of controversy. As such, individuals such as Governor Bryant had promised to be more sparing in the issuing of pardons. Indeed, the governor issued zero pardons by the conclusion of his term.
In addition, you must wait seven years after the completion of your sentence before you can apply for a pardon. This means paying all of your fines. While pardons can be difficult to achieve, they are one of the few options for individuals who wish to restore their gun rights. There are perhaps easier options to pursue if you want to clean up your criminal record, such as expungement.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. We have spent years helping defendants fight for their rights, and we can do the same for you. Not only can we help you avoid charges, but we can also help you pursue pardons, adjudication, and other options that will help you vote, own firearms, and live the life you deserve. Reach out and book your consultation today.