TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES FULL PARDON APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN , you must have the following documents to complete the
application. 1. Offense reports for all arrests, including those that did not result in a conviction.
2. Certified court documents for all arrests, e.g. , complaint, indictment or information;
judgment; sentence; order of dismissal/dispos ition/discharge or discharge certificate;
and/or clerk statement (fine/restitution paid).
3. Official criminal history statement from the sheriff of your county of residence.
4. Three (3) current, dated letters of recommendation from persons other than family
members who are familiar with you. Lette rs from family members may be submitted
but will not be considered as one of the three letters of recommendation.
************************************************ **********************
DO NOT PROCEED TO STEP 2 UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN STEP 1.
STEP 2:
After you have obtained all the documents, please read the application instructions
carefully, and complete the app lication form accordingly. To assist you in completing the
application, please utilize the Full Pardon Application Checklist on the following two
pages. Check the appr opriate box as you complete each section.
Do not alter the presentation of this applica tion either through reformatting or rewriting.
Do not bind or staple the applica tion with any other submitted material.
Failure to properly complete the application w ill delay the processing of your application.
If we need additional information, you may receive a phone ca ll or letter from an
employee in our office.
STEP 3:
Please type or print clearly, place your na me at the top of each page, and complete
all items. If necessary, you may use “N/A” (for No t Applicable), “Unknown,” “None,” or
“Do Not Remember.” After completing all sections, pleas e sign and date the application
and make a copy for your records . Mail the completed application to:
Texas Board of Pa rdons and Paroles
ATTN: Clemency Section
8610 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, TX 78757
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Page 1 of 3
FULL PARDON APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The Board’s Clemency Section has provided the checklist below to assist you in submitting a
completed clemency application. This will allo w for processing your request in a timely manner. If
you need additional assistance in completing your application, please view our Web site at
http://tdcj.state.tx.us/bpp or contact our office at 8610 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, Texas 78757;
Phone (512) 406-5852 .
For your convenience, general information concer ning clemency and the Board of Pardons and
Paroles rules are included at the end of this document (pages 2 – 5).
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ION A: Demographic Information
Complete all fields, using N/A or Unknown wher e necessary. Be sure to include all alias
names listed on your DPS criminal history.
ION B: Addresses
List current address and all previous addresses since age 18. Use “Do Not Remember” if
necessary.
ION C: Employment
List your current employ ment first and work backwards. Include all available information.
ION D: Status
Answer each question and be sure to include any requested ID numbers.
ION E: Justification
Part (1) State why you are requesting a Full Pardon. Part (2) State what you have done since your conviction to rehabilitate yourself and
become a productive member of society.
ION F: Certification
Read the certification statements . Sign and date the application in black or blue ink.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Page 2 of 3
CRIMINAL HISTORY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ALL ARRESTS
Crimin
Offens
Court
Crimin
Letters
al History Information Page
Complete all fields with the appropriate information from your court documents.
If requesting a Restoration of Firearm Rights for this offense, you must provide a
letter from an employer or potential employ er on their letterhead that explains the
need to have firearm rights restored in order to gain or maintain employment.
e Report(s)
Attach appropriate law enforcement agency offense reports for all arrests. For example, if
you were arrested by the Austin Police Departm ent, you must request offense reports from
that agency.
Documents
Attach applicable certified court documentation for all adult arrests. Adult is defined as
age 16 or older or when younger than age 16, certified as an adult.
Complaint/Indictment or Information
Judgment Sentence
Order of Dismissal/Disposition/Disch
arge or Discharge Certificate
Clerk Statement (fine/restitution paid)
See page 1 of 5 for procedures on ob taining certified court documentation.
al History
Attach an official criminal hi story statement from the sheriff of your county of residence.
ALL APPLICANTS , including non-Texas residents, mu st provide an official criminal
history statement from the sheriff of their county of residence.
of Recommendation
Attach at least three (3) letters of recommendation from citizens directly familiar with the
applicant (letters from family member s will only be accepted as supplemental
information.) Letters of recommendation must: be dated, current originals (copies of previously submitted letters, photocopies and
faxes are not acceptable);
be addressed to the Board of Pardons and Paroles (
Example: “To the Board of
Pardons and Paroles:” -- Do not address lette rs to Clemency Section or “To whom it
may concern”) ;
contain a recommendation for Full Pardon ( Example: “I recommend a full pardon on
behalf of APPLICANT’S NAME.”); and
contain the name, occupation, signature, te lephone number and mailing address of the
writer.
NOTE: If any agency will not provide the requested documentation, you must
submit a letter addressed to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Your
letter must be dated and reference the agency name with their address and
phone number, the person whom you contact ed, the date(s) that you attempted to
acquire the information, and an explanatio n as to why the agency did not provide
the requested material.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Page 3 of 3
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date: Page 1 of 6
(Last Name, First and Middle Name)
APPLICATION FOR FULL PARDON TO THE TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS & PAROLES
TO THE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES OF TEXAS:
I hereby request the Board of Pardons an d Paroles or its designated agent to file this application for Clemency, to
investigate the statements herein made und er oath and, if the facts so justify, make a favorable recommendation to
the Governor of the State of Texas that a Full Pardon be Granted and Restoration of Civil Rights, to whi ch I may
be entitled under the laws of the State of Texas, be restored.
A. DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (USE BLACK OR BLUE INK)
$ /
$ /
Last Name
Current full name
Name(s) convicted under
Race and sex Race
Date and place of birth Date of birth
Driver’s license State
Alias names (including maiden
Jr.
Sr. First Name Full Middle Name
III IV
Sex
Place of birth
License Number
name, name by former marriage
and nicknames), birth dates and
any other forms of identification Married – Spouse’s Name:
Current marital status DivorcedSeparated Single
I have children under the age of 18 years.
Children / support / alimony
I am supporting the following named children under the age of 18 years:
I currently pay month in child support.
I currently pay month in alimony.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date: Page 2 of 6
(Last Name, First and Middle Name) B. ADDRESSES
Current Mailing Address Current Physical Address
Provide information even if the physical
Indicate your current mailing address. and mailing addresses are the same.
Number and street ApartmentNumber and street Apartment
City State Zip Code City State Zip Code
Home phone number [ ] County of residence
Work phone number [ ] Years resided at physical residence
Email Address
Previous Addresses List all previous physical addresses since age 18. Do not use post office boxes. If you lived in an apartment complex, list
your apartment number. All time periods must be accounted for. Include complete dates (months and years of residence),
addresses, city, state and zip codes. Complete this page before attaching any additional page(s). Place attachments behind
this page.
From (month/year): Number and street Apartment
To (month/year):
City State Zip Code
From (month/year): Number and street Apartment
To (month/year):
City State Zip Code
From (month/year): Number and street Apartment
To (month/year):
City State Zip Code
From (month/year): Number and street Apartment
To (month/year):
City State Zip Code
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date: Page 3 of 6
(Last Name, First and Middle Name) C. EMPLOYMENT
Please give a comprehensive adult (since age 18) employment history, beginning with you r present employment and
working backwards. Include employer’s name, address, your job position working title, description of job duties, salary,
dates employed, and reason for leaving. Complete this page before attaching any additional page(s). Place attachments
behind this page.
From (month/year):
Employer name
To (month/year): Employer address
Job position (working title) Descri ption of your work duties
Average monthly salary Reason for leaving
From (month/year): Employer name
To (month/year): Employer address
Job position (working title) Descri ption of your work duties
Average monthly salary Reason for leaving
From (month/year): Employer name
To (month/year): Employer address
Job position (working title) Descri ption of your work duties
Average monthly salary Reason for leaving
From (month/year): Employer name
To (month/year):
Employer address
Job position (working title) Descri ption of your work duties
Average monthly salary Reason for leaving
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date: Page 4 of 6
(Last Name, First and Middle Name) D. STATUS
( )
()
Are you currently incarcerated in a Texas penal institution?
YesNo
If “yes,” list your (TDCJ-CID) identification number.
ID number:
YesNo
Were you ever incarcerated in a Texas penal institution?
Prior ID number:
If “yes,” list all (TDCJ-CID) identification numbers.
Prior ID number:
YesNo
Are you currently serving a term of probation? County:
If “yes”, identify the county of current residence, name and phone number
Name:
of your probation officer.
Number:
YesNo
Are you currently on parole, annual report status, or serving a term
of mandatory supervision? County:
If “yes”, identify the county of current residence, name and phone number
Name:
of your parole officer.
Number:
Do you have any pending criminal charges? YesNo
If “yes,” attach an explanation page. Pl ace the attachment behind this page.
YesNo
Have you been incarcerated in a federal or non-Texas state
institution? ID Number:
If “yes,” list all identification numb ers. Include the facility name and
Institution:
location.
Location:
Do you have any prior federal or out of state convictions resulting in
a loss of civil rights that have not been cleared by a pardon? YesNo
If “yes,” attach an explanation page. Pl ace the attachment behind this page.
Is a Texas pardon needed before another jurisdiction can act on a
pardon? YesNo
If “yes,” attach an explanation page and a written statement from the other
jurisdiction. Place the attachment behind this page.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date: Page 5 of 6
(Last Name, First and Middle Name)
E. JUSTIFICATION FOR CLEMENCY CONSIDERATION
(1) State the reasons and circumstances for requesting a full pardon.
Complete this page before attaching any additional page(s). Place any atta chments immediately behind this page.
(2) What have you done since your conviction(s) to show that you deserve full pardon and
restoration of civil rights consideration, includi ng rehabilitative efforts that you have made?
Complete this page before attaching any additional page(s). Place any atta chments immediately behind this page.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date: Page 6 of 6
(Last Name, First and Middle Name)
F. CERTIFICATION BY APPLICANT
Please read the following statements carefully an d indicate your understanding and acceptance by
signing in the space provided. This application must be signed.
I hereby give my permission to the Board of Pardons and Paroles or its designated agent to make any
inquiry and receive any information of record that it may deem proper in the investigation of this
application for clemency; and
I understand that compliance with these requirements is sufficient for the Board's consideration of this
application, but compliance does not necessarily mean that favorable action will result.
I hereby swear upon my oath that I am the subjec t herein named and the facts contained in this
application are true and correct.
________________________________________
Applicant’s Signature (Full Name) ________________________________________ Date
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date:
(Last Name, First and Middle Name)
CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
Provide information on all adult criminal offenses (list one offense per page) and the disposition of each arrest. For these purposes, adult is defined as al l arrests committed
when age 16 or older or when younger than age 16 but certified as an adult. All blanks must be completed for each criminal offense. Included in this application are two (2)
blank “Criminal History Information” pages provided in the event that you have multip le arrests. Photocopy as many of these blank p ages as needed to list additional
offenses.
Criminal Offense:
List the offense as it appears in the court documentation.
/ Are you requesting a Full Pardon and Restorat ion of Civil Rights for this offense? Yes No
Only Texas felony and most misdemeanor convictions are eligible for full pardon consideration. Class C misdemeanors are not eligible for full pardon
consideration, except for Class C domestic violence convictions where one seeks to remedy federal disabilities, pursuant to the “Lautenberg Amendment” to the
Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 [18 U. S. C., Section 922(G)(9)] , which prohibits firearm possession for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic
violence.
You must request a full pardon for each eligible felony and misd emeanor conviction. Firearms rights will not be automatically restored on eligible convictions
where you do not request a pardon.
/ Are you requesting Restoration of Firearm Rights for this offense? Yes No
Only Texas felony and most misdemeanor convictions are eligible for restoration of firearm rights consideration. Class C misdem eanors are not eligible for
restoration of firearm ri ghts consideration, except for domestic violence convictions pursuant to the “Lautenberg Amendment”.
If you request Restoration of Firearm Rights for this offense, you must also request a Full Pardon and Restoration of Civil Rights for this offense.
Additional Information about the Criminal Offense
County: State:
Cause Number: Court of Adjudication:
Mark “N/A” if not ad
judicated in a Court.
Disposition/Sentence Date:
Date of sentencin
g or other form of court ad judication. Mark “N/A” if not ad judicated in a Court.
Court Disposition/Sentence:
Examples of possible responses that you ma y modify to reflect your circumstance:
5 years TDCJ 2 years probation Class C Misdemeanor No formal charge
2 years deferred adjudication probation 30 days jail Released without prosecution No bill
2 years State Jail Felony Charge dismissed Plea in Bar
Fine ordered in the Sentence? Yes No If “Yes”, indicate the amount: $
Was the fine paid in full? Yes No
Restitution ordered in the Sentence? Yes No If “Yes”, indicate the amount: $
Was the restitution paid in full? Yes No
Final Disposition:
Examples of possible responses that you ma y modify to reflect your circumstance:
Currently on probation Discharged probation sentence
Satisfactorily discharged deferred adjudi cation probation sentence Unsatisfactorily discharged deferred adjudication probation sentence
Misdemeanor sentence completed Jail sentence completed
State Jail Felony sentence completed Currently incarcerated in a State Jail facility
TDCJ-CID sentence completed Currently incarcerated in TDCJ-CID
Currently on parole Charge dismissed (no billed, no formal charge)
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date:
(Last Name, First and Middle Name) SUBJECT’S VERSION
On this “Subject’s Version” page you are providing additional information – your version of events – about the offense that you listed on the preceding
“Criminal History Information” page. Describe in your own words th e factual circumstances of the offense.
Responses such as “N/A,” “ Unknown,” or “None” are not acceptable for this section of the application. If you do not remember any of the details
about this offense you may provide a statement to that effect.
Criminal Offense:
List the offense as it appears in the court documentation. The offense should match the wording on the corresponding Criminal History Information page.
Location:
Offense date(s):
Law enforcement agency in volved:
State in detail events leading up to the offense a nd the extent of your involvement in this case:
Complete this page before attaching any additional page(s). Place any atta chments immediately behind this page.
Court Documentation & Offense Reports
Place all court documents and offense/arrest reports for this offe nse after your Subject’s Version page(s). Refer to Procedures for
Obtaining Court Documentation on page 1 of 5.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date:
(Last Name, First and Middle Name)
CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
Provide information on all adult criminal offenses (list one offense per page) and the disposition of each arrest. For these purposes, adult is defined as al l arrests committed
when age 16 or older or when younger than age 16 but certified as an adult. All blanks must be completed for each criminal offense. Included in this application are two (2)
blank “Criminal History Information” pages provided in the event that you have multip le arrests. Photocopy as many of these blank p ages as needed to list additional
offenses.
Criminal Offense:
List the offense as it appears in the court documentation.
/ Are you requesting a Full Pardon and Restorat ion of Civil Rights for this offense? Yes No
Only Texas felony and most misdemeanor convictions are eligible for full pardon consideration. Class C misdemeanors are not eligible for full pardon
consideration, except for Class C domestic violence convictions where one seeks to remedy federal disabilities, pursuant to the “Lautenberg Amendment” to the
Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 [18 U. S. C., Section 922(G)(9)] , which prohibits firearm possession for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic
violence.
You must request a full pardon for each eligible felony and misd emeanor conviction. Firearms rights will not be automatically restored on eligible convictions
where you do not request a pardon.
/ Are you requesting Restoration of Firearm Rights for this offense? Yes No
Only Texas felony and most misdemeanor convictions are eligible for restoration of firearm rights consideration. Class C misdem eanors are not eligible for
restoration of firearm ri ghts consideration, except for domestic violence convictions pursuant to the “Lautenberg Amendment”.
If you request Restoration of Firearm Rights for this offense, you must also request a Full Pardon and Restoration of Civil Rights for this offense.
Additional Information about the Criminal Offense
County: State
Cause Number: Court of Adjudication:
Mark “N/A” if not adjudicated in a Court.
Disposition/Sentence Date:
Date of sentencing or other form of court adj udication. Mark “N/A” if not adjudicated in a Court.
Court Disposition/Sentence:
Examples of possible responses that you ma y modify to reflect your circumstance:
5 years TDCJ 2 years probation Class C Misdemeanor No formal charge
2 years deferred adjudication probation 30 days jail Released without prosecution No bill
2 years State Jail Felony Charge dismissed Plea in Bar
Fine ordered in the Sentence? Yes No If “Yes”, indicate the amount: $
Was the fine paid in full? Yes No
Restitution ordered in the Sentence? Yes No If “Yes”, indicate the amount: $
Was the restitution paid in full? Yes No
Final Disposition:
Examples of possible responses that you ma y modify to reflect your circumstance:
Currently on probation Discharged probation sentence
Satisfactorily discharged deferred adjudi cation probation sentence Unsatisfactorily discharged deferred adjudication probation sentence
Misdemeanor sentence completed Jail sentence completed
State Jail Felony sentence completed Currently incarcerated in a State Jail facility
TDCJ-CID sentence completed Currently incarcerated in TDCJ-CID
Currently on parole Charge dismissed (no billed, no formal charge)
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Date:
(Last Name, First and Middle Name) SUBJECT’S VERSION
On this “Subject’s Version” page you are providing additional information – your ve rsion of events – about the offense that you listed on the preceding
“Criminal History Information” page. Describe in your own words th e factual circumstances of the offense.
Responses such as “N/A,” “ Unknown,” or “None” are not acceptable fo r this section of the application. If you do not remember any of the details
about this offense you may provide a statement to that effect.
Criminal Offense:
List the offense as it appears in the court documentation. The offense should match the wording on the corresponding Criminal History Information page.
Location:
Offense date(s):
Law enforcement agency in volved:
State in detail events leading up to the offense a nd the extent of your involvement in this case:
Complete this page before attaching any additional page(s). Place any atta chments immediately behind this page.
Court Documentation & Offense Reports Place all court documents and offense/arrest reports for this offe nse after your Subject’s Version page(s). Refer to Procedures for
Obtaining Court Documentation page 1 of 5.
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING COURT DOCUMENTATION
All court documents must be CERTIFIED, whether they originate from the office of the District, County, or
Municipal Clerk. Acquire the proper documentation, accordingly: IF convicted and the judgment included a court ordered fine and or restitution , furnish a statement from the
appropriate clerk confirming the amount paid. IF convicted and the sentence is probated or deferred, furn ish the Complaint/Indictment or Information, Judgment,
Sentence and Dismissal. IF convicted of a misdemeanor resulting in a fine and/or jail time, furnish the Complaint, Judgment and Sentence.
IF arrested and the charge was dropped or dismissed, furnish the charging papers and the Dismissal. If
unobtainable, furnish a dismissal or “no formal ch arge made” statement from the prosecuting attorney.
IF arrested for out-of-state, federal or foreign offense(s) prior to the last Texas conviction, furnish court
documentation. If convicted, provide clearance by full pard on from the jurisdiction or show by official source,
preferably the court of conviction, that no civil rights were lost. IF convicted of a felony probation and revoked to the Te xas Department of Criminal Justice – Correctional
Institutions Division (TDCJ-CID), furnish the Indictment, Judgment and Sentence granting probation and the
revocation document(s), and a copy of the TDCJ discharge certificate. IF convicted of a felony, sentenced to TDCJ-CID and curre ntly on parole or mandatory supervision or on annual
report status, or have discharged the sentence, furnish th e Indictment, Judgment, Sentence and a copy of the TDCJ
discharge certificate. Contact the following office(s) to obtain the appropriate certificate:
TDCJ-CID RECORDS OFFICE P. O. BOX 99
HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS 77342 or
TDCJ PAROLE DIVISION 8610 SHOAL CREEK BLVD.
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78757
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAININ G ARREST/OFFENSE REPORTS
For each criminal offense, acquire from the appropriate law enforcement arresting agency copies of the
arrest/offense reports. These copies of reports do not have to be certified. For offenses involving drugs, please
provide copies of laboratory reports.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Page 1 of 5
GENERAL INFORMATION Definition - An unconditional act of executive clemency by th e Governor which serves to release the grantee from
the conditions of his or her sentence and from any disabilities imposed by law thereby.
A Full Pardon restores the following civil rights: 1. Right to vote.
2. Right to hold public office.
3. Right to serve on a jury.
4. Licensing privileges for certain types of employment ( however, you must check with the appropriate licensing
authority to determine if a full pardon is necessary to be licensed). If available, please provide written
documentation from that authority advising that you will not be considered for a license without receiving a
full pardon. If the licensing authority will not provide you with written documentation, please obtain and
furnish the name of the licensing authority, phone number, and name of the person you contacted.
5. Right to serve as Executor or Administrator of an estate.
A FULL PARDON RESTORES VOTING RIGHTS. Please note, effective September 01, 1997, a felon’s
voting rights are automatically restored when one full y discharges the felony sentence, including any term of
incarceration, parole, or supervision, or comple ted a period of probation ordered by any court.
A FULL PARDON DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESTORE THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. Many felons
also lose their right to bear arms with the federal govern ment. Additionally, you may or may not qualify for a State
of Texas license to carry a concealed handgun. You MUST check with BOTH the Federal Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco & Firearms AND the Texas Department of Public Safety for your status BEFORE bearing any arms.
A FULL PARDON DOES NOT expunge an arrest under the criminal laws. This can only be accomplished by
petitioning a district court in the county of conviction.
A FULL PARDON DOES NOT restore the right of the applicant to drive and operate a motor vehicle upon
public highways after an automatic suspension of that license as a result of a conviction for Driving While
Intoxicated or other similar suspension, unless th e Governor's Proclamation specifically so states.
A FULL PARDON DOES NOT relieve the convicted person of any outstanding fines, fees, restitution or
reparation as ordered by the Court. The Board will consider Full Pardon requests for the following cases:
(01) An offender whose offense occurred on or before August 28, 1977, and who has served 12 months on
parole in a manner acceptable to the board.
(02) An offender who is currently in prison if th e offender indicates extenuating circumstances.
(03) An offender who has been under supervision at least two years with no violations in the year preceding the
application date.
(04) Former Texas Department of Corrections (TDC) or Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Correctional
Institutions Division (TDCJ-CID) offender s who have discharged their sentences.
(05) Probated sentences (must provide discharge/dismissal documentation and proof that the applicant’s
conviction prevents him from obtaining employment or proof that his civil rights have been lost).
(06) Suspended sentences (completed).
(07) Jail sentences (completed).
(08) Misdemeanor sentences (completed).
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Page 2 of 5
The Board will NOT consider Full Pardon requests for the following cases:
(01) Treason or impeachment.
(02) A person who has been on community supervision and h as received a judge’s discharge in which the judge
restores the person’s civil rights by setting aside th e conviction and dismissing the charging instrument
(see Attorney General Opinion DM-393*).
(03) TDCJ-CID offenders (except when exceptional circumstances exist).
(04) Prior out-of-state felony convictions (must first clear priors by pardon from other jurisdiction).
(05) Prior federal convictions (must first clear by Presidential Pardon).
(06) Applicants who were denied Full Pardon or Restora tion of Civil Rights less than two years prior to
application date.
* You may read the opinion on the Attorney General’s Web site at
www.oag.state.tx.us .
For your records, please retain copies of all documentation, including the application, that
you submit to the Clemency Section.
Due to the inability to retain rec ords for extended time periods for incomplete applications,
we are advising you NOT to provide originals of personal items, including but not exclusive
to photos, transcripts, birth and other certifi cates, achievement awards, licenses, literature
and other identification cards or items, notebooks or binders, and clemency proclamations.
You may in lieu of originals provide copies of these documents with your submitted
application.
FP-10 (Rev 02/17/2012) Page 3 of 5
TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS AND P AROLES RULES
Chapter 143. EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY
Subchapter A. FULL PARDON AND RESTOR ATION OF RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP
§143.1. Authority To Grant Pardons
Except in cases of treason or impeachment, after convic tion, the governor may grant a full pardon upon the
recommendation and advice of a majority of the board (Texas Constitution, Article IV, §11; Texas Code of
Criminal Procedure, Articles 48.01 and 48.03).
§143.2. Pardons for Innocence
(a) On the grounds of innocence of th e offense for which convicted the board will consider applications for
recommendation to the governor for a pardon for innocence upon receipt of:
(1) written recommendation of at least two of the current trial officials of the court of conviction, with one trial official submitting documentary evidence of actual innocence; or
(2) certified order or judgment of a court having jurisdiction accompanied by a certified copy of the findings of fact and conclusions of law where th e court recommends that the Court of Criminal
Appeals grant state habeas relief on the grounds of actual innocence.
(b) Evidence submitted under subsection (a)(1) of this secti on shall include the results and analysis of pre-trial
and post-trial DNA tests or other forensic tests, if an y, and may also include affidavits of witnesses upon
which the recommendation of actual innocence is based.
§143.3. Twelve Months on Parole
When any prisoner has served 12 months on parole for an offense committed on or before August 28, 1977, in a
manner acceptable to the board, upon request, the board may review the prisoner's record upon application
therefore and make a determination whether to recommend to the governor that the prisoner be pardoned and
finally discharged from the sentence under which he is serving.
§143.4. Parolee Discharging Sentence
Whenever any prisoner who has been paroled for an offense committed on or before August 28, 1977, has
complied with the rules and conditions governing his parole until the end of the term to which he was sentenced,
and without a revocation of his parole, the board may report such fact to the governor prior to the issuance of the
final order of discharge. The board may, at this time, recommend to the governor a full pardon (Texas Constitution,
Article IV, 11; §508.119, Government Code).
§143.5. Discharged Prisoner
Upon request from a person who has discharged a felony sentence, the board will consider recommending a full
pardon. Applicant's name, prison number, county of convictio n, offense, and length of sentence shall be furnished
for identification.
FP-10 (Rev 0
022//1177//2200112) 2 Page 4 of 5
§143.6. Inmate in Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division
A full pardon will not be considered for an inmate while in prison, except when exceptional circumstances exist.
§143.7. Prior Out-of-State or Federal Convictions
Where there exists one or more convictions for offenses of felony grade, in other states or in federal court, prior
to the last Texas conviction, the board will cons ider recommending a pardon only if the applicant:
(1) provides a clearance by full pardon from the jurisdiction(s) of the previous conviction(s); or
(2) furnishes proof in writing that the other jurisdicti on(s) will not act until a full pardon is granted by the
Governor of Texas.
§143.8. Suspended Sentence, Felony Conviction
Upon request from the applicant or person acting for him, the board will consider recommending full pardon for
a suspended sentence. Applicant's name, the county of convi ction, offense, and sentence shall be furnished when
the request is made.
§143.9. Sentence of Probation, Felony Conviction
The board will consider recommending a full pardon for a sentence of probation only upon a showing of receipt
of maximum relief available through the court of c onviction, and then, only in an extreme or unusual
circumstance which prevents the applicant from gaining a livelihood or in the event of loss of civil rights. The
burden of showing such unusual conditions rests upon the applicant.
§143.10. Misdemeanor
The board will consider recommending a full pardon in mi sdemeanor cases only when exceptional, extreme, and
unusual circumstances exist. The burden of showing such exceptional, extreme, and unusual circumstances rests
upon the applicant.
§143.11. Request of Governor
The board shall consider a recommendation for a full par don or request for restoration of firearm rights in any
case upon the request of the governor (§508.050, Government Code).
§143.12. Restoration of Firearm Rights
The board will consider recommending restoration of th e right to receive, possess, bear, and transport in
commerce a firearm only in extreme and unusual circum stances which prevent the applicant from gaining a
livelihood, and only if the applicant:
(1) provides either proof of clearance by a previously granted full pardon or a request for such express
restoration in a pending application for a full pardon from jurisdiction(s) of the relevant conviction(s); and
(2) provides proof of application under the United Stat es Code, Title 18, §925(c), for exemption, relief from
disabilities to the attorney general, and furnishes copi es of all relevant applications and responses thereto
by the attorney general including any final actions by said attorney general.
§143.13. Posthumous Pardon
Upon request from a person acting on behalf of a deceased person who was convicted of a felony offense, the
board will consider recommending a full pardon for the deceased person.
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