Since taking office in 2015, Gov. Tom Wolf has signed 2,098 pardons, including 326 that were part of an expedited review of nonviolent marijuana-related offenses.
A pardon means a person receives complete forgiveness from the state for a criminal conviction and allows for the expungement of the related criminal record.
People seeking a pardon can apply online, and the process does not require an attorney. Prior to the Wolf Administration, the process required a fee. It is now free, and the application process is more streamlined.
The Expedited Review Program for NonViolent Marijuana-Related Offenses was authorized in 2019. It speeds up the application process for people with nonviolent marijuana possession or paraphernalia convictions.
Wolf surpassed 2,000 pardons earlier this month when he granted 102 pardons. Twenty-six were expedited review marijuana cases.
“Pardoning more than 2,000 Pennsylvanians is one of the greatest honors of my time in office,” Wolf said. “We all deserve the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and do better tomorrow —but, oftentimes, a record prevents positive forward motion, sparking a repetitive cycle of defeat. I firmly believe that with restored rights, pardoned Pennsylvanians prove themselves by stepping up and giving back to our communities.”
Clean slates empower people for success, Wolf said.