Virginia Conditional Pardons: A Guide for Incarcerated People and Their Families
A Virginia conditional pardon is a form of executive relief that may modify or end a sentence imposed by a Virginia court. It is available only to people who are currently incarcerated. Conditional pardons are rare, and every petition is considered individually by the Governor. This page provides educational information and does not guarantee eligibility or an outcome.
WHAT IS A VIRGINIA CONDITIONAL PARDON?
A conditional pardon is an act by the Governor that may modify or end a sentence imposed by a Virginia court. The Governor may place conditions on the relief granted. A conditional pardon is not automatic, is granted only in rare circumstances, and does not erase the underlying conviction.
WHO CAN REQUEST A CONDITIONAL PARDON IN VIRGINIA?
According to the Commonwealth of Virginia, a person must be currently incarcerated to request a conditional pardon, and the conviction must have occurred in Virginia. The Governor considers each request individually. Exceptional circumstances, rehabilitation, institutional history, and supporting evidence may all be important, but no person should assume that eligibility guarantees relief.
CONDITIONAL VS. SIMPLE VS. ABSOLUTE PARDON
Conditional pardon: Available to people who are currently incarcerated. It may modify or end a sentence and is rare.
Simple pardon: A statement of official forgiveness generally available after all conditions imposed by the court have been completed. It does not remove the conviction from the record.
Absolute pardon: May be granted when the Governor is convinced the petitioner is innocent. Virginia generally requires the person to have pleaded not guilty throughout the judicial process and exhausted appeals and other remedies, including a Writ of Actual Innocence.
WHAT MAKES A STRONG CONDITIONAL PARDON REQUEST?
A well-prepared request may address rehabilitation, institutional conduct, educational and treatment programming, the circumstances surrounding the sentence, health or medical needs when relevant, family and community support, accountability, personal growth, housing, employment prospects, and a realistic release and reentry plan. No single factor guarantees that relief will be granted.
WHAT GOES INTO A CONDITIONAL PARDON PACKAGE?
• Case assessment
• Court-record review
• Institutional-record review
• Personal history
• Mitigation
• Rehabilitation evidence
• Letters of support
• Release and reentry plan
• Personal narrative
• Supporting exhibits
• Final conditional pardon request
HOW 13TH LIBERATION VILLAGE CAN HELP
13th Liberation Village offers a Conditional Pardon Package service designed to help incarcerated people and their families organize the history, records, mitigation, rehabilitation evidence, support, and release planning needed for a clear and complete request. Our role is to provide education, document organization, narrative development, and package preparation. We do not promise that a pardon will be granted and do not provide legal representation unless separately stated in writing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can an incarcerated person apply for a conditional pardon in Virginia?
Yes. Current incarceration is required for a Virginia conditional pardon.
Does a conditional pardon erase the conviction?
No. A pardon does not remove the conviction from the record.
How long does a Virginia conditional pardon take?
Virginia says there is no reliable method of predicting how long a pardon petition will take to complete.
Who decides conditional pardons in Virginia?
The Governor of Virginia.
What documents should I gather?
Useful materials may include court records, institutional records, program certificates, disciplinary history, medical records when relevant, letters of support, and release-planning documents. Keep copies of everything because Virginia says submitted documents are not returned.
Is a conditional pardon the same as parole?
No. A conditional pardon is a form of executive clemency. Parole is a separate release process.
OFFICIAL VIRGINIA RESOURCES
Virginia Pardon Information and Application:
https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/judicial-system/pardons/
Clemency Staff
Email: pardons@governor.virginia.gov
Telephone: 804-692-2542
NEED HELP PREPARING A VIRGINIA CONDITIONAL PARDON PACKAGE?
13th Liberation Village can help families prepare an organized, evidence-supported package that clearly presents the person’s history, rehabilitation, support network, and release plan.
Contact 13th Liberation Village:
https://www.13thliberationvillages.com/contact
villagers@13thliberationvillage.com
Educational Information Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee eligibility or any outcome. Pardon rules and procedures may change. Verify current requirements with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
