Q: How to pursue pardon for hindering prosecution in Alabama?
I'm seeking guidance on obtaining a pardon for a charge of hindering prosecution related to a murder case in which I was actually a victim. This occurred in 2013 in Guntersville, Alabama, Marshall County. The person responsible for the murder admitted to the crime and did not implicate me at all. Despite this, I accepted a plea deal to avoid a potential life sentence and completed my 10-year sentence on March 17, 2017. Since then, I have turned my life around, committed no crimes, and am facing challenges in job promotions and hiring due to this charge. What steps can I take to pursue a pardon under these circumstances?
A:
This is a difficult question, but here is a start from the FAQs at the website of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles:
"Alabama law allows convicted persons to apply for a pardon with or without remission, subject to the procedures specified by law. These procedures give the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles the discretionary authority to grant or deny pardon and remission applications. To be considered for a pardon or remission, an applicant must have either completed his or her sentence or have successfully served at least three (3) years on parole for the sentence for which the applicant seeks a pardon."
Persistence is the key. Lots of people ask for pardons, few people ask and ask and ask. Talking to your local state representative probably would not hurt.
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