Expedited Pardon for Non-Violent Marijuana Convictions

Beginning October 1, 2019, the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons began accepting applications to pardon non-violent marijuana related convictions.  When an application is successfully filed and granted, the conviction is completely erased from the individual’s criminal record.

The criminal convictions that are eligible for this program include the following:

  • Possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use;
  • Possession of a small amount of marijuana with the intent to distribute;
  • The distribution of a small amount of marijuana but not for sale;
  • (Paraphernalia related offenses) – Any marijuana-specific conviction relating to the possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia; the delivery of or possession with intent to deliver or manufacture with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia; or the unlawful advertisement/promotion of sale of drug paraphernalia;
  • Criminal conspiracy (relating to an underlying marijuana-specific offense)
  • Marijuana-related DUI’s incurred by lawful medical marijuana cardholders in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Applicants would be required to produce proof that they were lawful medical marijuana cardholders at the time of their offense);
  • Any felony conviction for possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance (marijuana only); and
  • Any marijuana-specific conviction that the Secretary of the Board of Pardons deems appropriate.

There are exceptions to the program so not everyone with a marijuana conviction will qualify. The cases are reviewed on an individual basis so it would be helpful to have as much supporting information as possible. If you do not qualify for this program there might be other available options such as sealing, expungement, or general pardon.

Do not let a minor mistake from your past haunt your future. If you are interested in cleaning your criminal record you should contact a lawyer to discuss all available remedies.  At The Mazza Law Group we have experienced criminal defense lawyers who have been handling these types of cases for years.  Contact us today to set up an appointment to review your case.