Georgia-Pardon

An independent board appointed by the governor exercises the pardon power, reporting annually to the legislature, the governor, and the attorney general.  The board issues pardons both with and without restoration of firearms rights, and it may also restore civil and political rights to persons with federal and out-of-state convictions.  Eligibility for pardon is five years after completion of sentence (including payment of court debt), and for restoration of rights after two years.  People with sex offenses must wait 10 years.  The board conducts a paper review, decides by majority vote, and issues a written decision.  Pardon relieves all legal disabilities except eligibility for public office, and it is effective to remove an individual’s name from the sex offender registry.  However, it does not expunge the record, and a pardoned conviction may be used as a predicate.  Pardons are frequent and the process regular: in recent years the board has granted between 400 and 600 pardons and restorations each year, about 60% with firearms rights specifically restored.