How to Apply for a Pardon in Texas – An Attorney’s Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Texas and are looking for a fresh start, you may have heard about applying for a pardon, but how exactly does that work?

As an attorney who helps people prepare Texas pardon applications, I can tell you it’s not as simple as just asking the Governor for forgiveness. It’s a detailed process, but when done right, it can open doors you thought were permanently closed.

While you don’t need an attorney to prepare or submit an application, the process is very detail-oriented, and I’ve helped many clients prepare thorough applications that meet the Board’s expectations of completeness. If you are looking for assistance with a pardon, we’re here to help.

But here is an overview; let’s walk through it together, step by step.

What Is a Full Pardon and What Does It Do?

In Texas, a full pardon is an act of executive clemency by the Governor that restores your civil rights lost due to a criminal conviction. This includes:

The right to serve on a jury.
The right to hold public office.
The right to hold certain licenses.
The right to serve as an executor or administrator of an estate.

But, and this is a big one, a pardon does not erase your record. If you want to actually remove the conviction from your record, you’ll need to file for expunction, which is only available after a pardon is granted, and only available in a few cases.

Also, if your conviction affected your gun rights, a full pardon doesn’t automatically restore those either. You’ll need to request that separately.

Who Can Apply for a Full Pardon in Texas?

You can apply for a full pardon if:

You’ve completed your sentence, including parole or probation.
You’re not currently incarcerated (unless exceptional circumstances apply).
You weren’t already restored to full rights by a judge dismissing the case (some dismissals may already restore rights).
You haven’t applied and been denied within the past 2 years.
You’ve cleared any prior out-of-state or federal convictions, or you can show that Texas must act first.

And yes, you can still apply even if your conviction was for a misdemeanor or deferred adjudication, though the standards are stricter.

Step 1 – Gather Required Documents First

Before completing the application, gather the following:

Offense reports for every arrest, even if charges were dropped.
Certified court documents: charging documents, indictments, judgments, sentences, and dismissals. The outcome of the case will determine what documents are needed. If you have any questions, always refer to the pardon application instructions.
Official criminal history from the sheriff in your current county (even if you live out of state).
Three current, dated letters of recommendation from people who know you well (but not family members). Again, these must meet specific requirements; it’s essential to follow the Board’s instructions to a T.

If you can’t get the required document, you must include a letter explaining your efforts to get it, who you contacted, and why it’s unavailable. Otherwise, your application will be delayed or summarily closed.

Step 2 – Complete the Full Pardon Application

The form is detailed, and you need to fill it out completely and truthfully. Here’s what to expect:

Personal and contact information.
Residential and employment history (going back to age 18).
A statement about why you need and deserve a pardon.
Details on every arrest, including your own explanation of the events, called a “Subject’s Version” narrative for each offense.
A separate checkbox and justification if you’re also requesting restoration of firearm rights.

A few essential tips:

Don’t leave anything blank. If something doesn’t apply, write “N/A.”
Don’t staple, reformat, or bind your application.
Keep a complete copy for your records.

Step 3 – Mail It to the Clemency Section

Once your application is complete and all supporting documents are included, mail the whole packet to:

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
ATTN: Clemency Section
8610 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, TX 78757

There’s no fee to apply, but the process can take several months or longer.

Common Roadblocks—and How to Handle Them

Missing Records?

Get a letter from the agency stating that the documents are unavailable, or write your own letter documenting who you contacted and what they told you.

Multiple Arrests?

You’ll need to fill out the criminal history and subject version pages for each offense. Don’t just list one and call it done.

Gun Rights?

These are only considered if you can prove “extreme and unusual circumstances” that prevent you from earning a livelihood. That’s a high bar.

Deferred Adjudication?

If your case was dismissed under deferred adjudication, you must wait 10 years from discharge before applying.

What Happens After You Submit It?

The Clemency Section will review your packet and may follow up for more information. If your application is complete and compelling, the Board of Pardons and Paroles may recommend your pardon to the Governor.

The Governor then decides whether to grant or deny it. If it’s denied, you must wait two full years before reapplying.

Final Thoughts from a Pardon Attorney

I always tell clients: a Texas pardon is a rare and difficult remedy to obtain, but it may be the only option to restore civil rights fully. Not every applicant is a good candidate for a pardon, so they deserve strong consideration.

If you’re thinking about applying, take the process seriously and prepare thoroughly. A well-prepared application gives the Board and the Governor confidence that you’ve taken responsibility and earned a second chance.

While you don’t need an attorney to apply for a pardon in Texas, having experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference, especially when it comes to gathering documents, collaborating, preparing compelling narratives, and avoiding common mistakes that can delay or derail your application. I’ve helped many clients prepare strong, thorough applications that meet the Board’s expectations of completeness. If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, contact my office to discuss how we can help you through the process.

By: Richard D. Hayes II.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website does not contain legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. This material is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of, a licensed attorney.

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