Maryland-Pardon

The governor decides, and he is authorized (but not required) to consult with the parole commission for non-binding advice.  Constitution requires governor to publish notice of intent to pardon in newspaper and to report each pardon, with reasons, to legislature.  Eligibility under formal regulations requires only completion of sentence, but informal parole commission guidelines require 10 crime-free years after completion of sentence to be eligible (or seven years with parole commission waiver), five years for misdemeanors, and 20 years for crimes of violence and for controlled substances violations.  Paper review by parole board.  Pardon lifts all legal disabilities and penalties imposed by conviction; firearms restoration must be express in pardon.  Pardoned non-violent first offenses are eligible for expungement.  Pardoning varies with the administration: the current governor (Larry Hogan) has issued no pardons.