Pardon

Award-winning Pardon Attorney John D. Ioakimidis for Illinois Pardon Cases

Under the laws of Illinois, if you have a criminal conviction from the past that is not eligible for sealing or expungement, a Governor’s pardon may be the only means to clear your criminal record. Nationally recognized Illinois pardon lawyer John D. Ioakimidis has been defending misdemeanors and felonies for over 23 years in Chicago, Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County and McHenry County. If you had a case anywhere in the State of Illinois, pardon attorney John D. Ioakimidis can help you put your past behind you and move forward. He has the expertise necessary to meticulously prepare your Pardon petition and appear with you before the Illinois Prisoners Review Board. He will help you prepare so when you both appear before the Review Board; you will be seen in the very best light.

Who Qualifies for a Pardon / Executive Clemency?

If you have completed your jail term or your sentence, you are eligible to file for a Pardon. The idea is the longer you wait to file for a pardon, the greater the likelihood that it will be granted by the Governor. It’s is wise to wait at least 5 years after finishing your sentence to file for a Pardon. This will give enough time to establish yourself as a law-abiding and productive citizen worthy of being forgiven. If your Pardon petition is denied, you can refile it again after one year. The technical requirements for filing a pardon under Illinois law can be found at 730 ILCS 5/3-3-13 and Illinois Administrative Code section 1610.180.

Who has the Power to Grant a Pardon?

The Governor of Illinois is the only person under the Illinois Constitution with the power to forgive a crime and grant a Pardon. Although the Illinois Review Board makes a recommendation as to whether a pardon should be granted, the Governor is not required under Illinois law to follow the Board’s recommendation. The Governor also has the right to issue a full or a partial Pardon. That means some of your crimes may be pardoned while others will remain on your record. Every case is different, and the decisions vary.

The Governor also has the authority under his Pardon power to shorten sentences or can put a sentence on hold, like a death sentence. When the sentence is shortened, it’s referred to as a commutation. If the sentence is put on hold, it’s referred to as a Reprieve. Ultimately, it’s up to the Governor to decide.

Is My Record Expunged after a Pardon?

The Governor has the option of issuing a Pardon with or without the right to expunge your arrest record. You must specifically request in your Petition that you be allowed to expunge. If the Governor grants your request, you must then file expungement paperwork in the County where the crime was committed to expunge your record. Pardon lawyer John D. Ioakimidis has successfully either sealed or expunged hundreds of cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and McHenry County over the last 23 years.

Applying for a Pardon?

A detailed Petition is prepared and filed with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. In the Petition, you essentially tell your life story and why you need a Pardon. Documents that are attached to the Petition include; copies of your criminal cases(s), school transcripts, letters of recommendation, awards, certificates, and other documents that show that you have been a solid citizen since finishing your sentence. The more things that you have accomplished since completing your sentence, the more likely you are of receiving a pardon.

After your Petition is filed, you have a hearing before a three-to-five-member panel of the Illinois Review Board. The members of the Board will have reviewed your Petition prior to your hearing. After your lawyer makes an opening statement, the Board members usually ask questions about your life and why you need to receive pardon. You are also allowed to have witnesses on your behalf. Within 60 days thereafter, the Board will make a confidential recommendation to the Governor as to whether a pardon should be granted. The Governor is not obligated to follow the Board’s recommendation. Hearing are held four times a year – three in Chicago and one in Springfield and start at 9:00 a.m.

Highly Experienced Pardon Lawyer John D. Ioakimidis for Illinois Pardons

Pardon attorney John D. Ioakimidis has practiced before the Illinois Prison Review Board and understands the rules and procedures when applying for Pardon. He will prepare your Petition highlighting all the good things about you and how you were able to turn your life around. He will make it clear to the Board that you have already paid for your mistakes and to continue to punish is not just or equitable.

If you have left your previous life behind and are being dragged down by your old conviction, call pardon attorney John D. Ioakimidis at 312-229-5500 for a free evaluation of your Illinois Pardon case.