As opposed to situations in which a charge was Dismissed and where an Expungement or Restriction may be available, if a person has been convicted of certain offenses in the past, (s)he may be eligible to apply to the State of Georgia for a Pardon and/or Restoration of Rights. While a Pardon does not Expunge or Restrict the matter, it may be helpful for employment and/or education purposes. Unlike Expungements or Restrictions in which a Cycle upon an individual’s Criminal History is actually removed from viewing by certain individuals, a Pardon actually creates another “Cycle” upon a person’s Criminal History in which an entry is made upon the History which shows that the State of Georgia has considered the person’s life since the completion of his/her sentence and, based upon the person’s law-abiding life since then, the State of Georgia pardons or “forgives” the offense. Therefore, it does not remove the offense, but it is an acknowledgement by the State of Georgia that the person has now been officially forgiven or pardoned by the State.
In addition, while your right to vote should automatically be restored upon completion of your sentence, if you were convicted of a certain offense of offenses, your ability to serve as a Notary Public or possess a Firearm may have been impacted. While not many folks have much of a concern about serving at a Notary Public (!), many folks in Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia and the surrounding Counties in Southeast Georgia are very concerned with their ability to possess a firearm. The State of Georgia provides a process that may allow you to restore your rights to possess a firearm.
If you have been convicted of an offense in the past that may be impeding gainful employment or educational opportunities, or if you have been denied the ability to possess a firearm due to a previous conviction, contact Joey Cowart to discuss your options.
