People Change.
Records Can Too.
A pardon is total forgiveness by the state and it requires the court, prosecutors, and state police to erase your record like it never happened.
You will never have to “check the box” again!
The Pardon Project of Luzerne County
A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. The Pardon Project of Luzerne County was created to help members of our community who were once convicted of a non-violent crime, completed their sentence, and turned their lives around – and only their past is holding them back from pursuing their potential.
If you’re someone who has a criminal record and is considering seeking a pardon, there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, a pardon can help remove the stigma and barriers that come with having a criminal record, making it easier to find employment, housing, and education opportunities. Additionally, a pardon can provide a sense of closure and allow you to move on from your past mistakes, freeing you to pursue personal and professional growth. The potential benefits of a pardon are significant and can create a range of opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. We want to help you realize this opportunity!
If you have ever pled guilty or been convicted of a non-violent state crime in Pennsylvania and completed your sentence at least five years ago, you should consider applying for a pardon.
Records Can Too.
The Pardon Project of Luzerne County
A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. The Pardon Project of Luzerne County was created to help members of our community who were once convicted of a non-violent crime, completed their sentence, and turned their lives around – and only their past is holding them back from pursuing their potential.
If you’re someone who has a criminal record and is considering seeking a pardon, there are several benefits to doing so. Firstly, a pardon can help remove the stigma and barriers that come with having a criminal record, making it easier to find employment, housing, and education opportunities. Additionally, a pardon can provide a sense of closure and allow you to move on from your past mistakes, freeing you to pursue personal and professional growth. The potential benefits of a pardon are significant and can create a range of opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. We want to help you realize this opportunity!
If you have ever pled guilty or been convicted of a non-violent state crime in Pennsylvania and completed your sentence at least five years ago, you should consider applying for a pardon.
A pardon is total forgiveness by the state and it requires the court, prosecutors, and state police to erase your record like it never happened.
You will never have to “check the box” again!
News Alert
On April 9, the Board of Pardons held its first Merit Review of the year, when it determines which pardon applicants merit a public hearing. The Board considered 225 applicants and it granted hearings to 189 - 84.0%.
113 of the 189 successful applicants -- 60% -- received unanimous 5-0 votes (and another 35 received 4 votes), underlining the need to get those applicants to the Governor quickly so that they can get to pursuing their potentials unrestrained by their past, to the benefit of us all.
Two –
Thirds
of those who apply for a pardon in Pennsylvania actually get one!
Did You Know?
Pennsylvania is leading the nation in pardon reform! The pardon process is entirely free, a lawyer is not necessary, and over 80% of the people going before the PA Board of Pardons actually end up with a pardon! Over a ten-year period, pardons brought over $16.5 million dollars in higher wages into communities all across the state. Luzerne County deserves its fair share!
Who We Are
Our Pardon Project Steering Committee came together in July of 2023 at the invitation of Steven Greenwald, Chief Public Defender of Luzerne County, and Elizabeth Leo, University Counsel at Wilkes University. Our board is a group of volunteers from all across Luzerne who are committed to second chances for the people of this county and the economic growth of our community. We are part of a large and growing statewide network of Pardon Projects.
Our Pardon Project does not have a central location yet. We operate on a hybrid model, offering intake and application services online. If you’re interested in our services, please complete the form below and we will be in touch.
Although our intake is online, we can sometimes be found attending tabling events across the county. To stay up to date on where we are visiting, check out our Facebook page.
What We Do
We train volunteers (“Pardon Coaches”) so that they know the process, and we connect them to clients whom we think have an excellent chance of receiving a pardon from the Governor.
Who We Serve
We provide Pardon Coaches for free to people who reside in Luzerne County (or were convicted here), but give priority to those who are within 238% of the federal poverty guidelines ($34,700/year for an individual, $71,400/year for a family of 4) and who have completed their sentences for non-violent crimes at least five years ago. The only cost that those over that income guideline are responsible for is the fee of getting their records, as the county clerk will only grant them for free if you are within that 238%.
Others may qualify on a case-by-case basis. And EVERYONE can help themselves! For our full Eligibility Criteria, click here.
Can I Apply Myself?
YES! You do NOT need a lawyer to apply for a pardon. Here is what you need to succeed:
- Click here for Fast Facts about Pardons in Pennsylvania
- Click here for an 12-minute film about the PA Pardon Process by Pardon Fellow Zach Keasling
- Click here for a flyer explaining how to make the best case you can for a pardon
- Click here for a Self-Help Guide to Applying for a Governor's Pardon in PA (March 2026)
- Click here for 7 short videos explaining the steps in the pardon process
- Click here to download the application form and instructions
- Download the list of documents you need to get from the courthouse (in English) (in Spanish)
- Watch a video explaining how you can apply yourself (in English) (in Spanish)
- Click here to watch a video about preparing yourself for your public hearing
- VISIT OUR VIDEO LIBRARY for lots of other self-help videos.
Second chances start here.
The Pardon Project began in 2018 as a part of Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity's service to its Philadelphia low-income clients with criminal records. Its first year report can be read here. When COVID-19 shut down direct operations, Tobey Oxholm (then PLSE's Executive Director) started teaching individuals and organizations about pardons via zoom. A greatly simplified application made it possible to engage with more volunteers, and the Project expanded to counties all around the state.
In 2025, the Pennsylvania Pardon Project was formed as a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation and received its 501c3 determination that same year. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law and GREATLY appreciated, and should be mailed. New partners are welcome at all times. Copies of the organization's tax returns and policies are available upon request.
Contact Us
1 Watawga Way West
Gouldsboro, PA 18424
