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Mississippi Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

Mississippi pardons are granted by the Governor. The Mississippi constitution requires that applications for pardon be published 30 days before the Governor acts on them.

Last updated: 2026-03-28. This is informational only, not legal advice.

Who Grants Pardons

Authority: Governor

The Governor of Mississippi has clemency power. The Mississippi Parole Board may investigate and provide input.

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Forgives the conviction and restores civil rights.

Conditional Pardon

Pardon with conditions.

Commutation

Reduction of sentence.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: Must have completed sentence. No specific statutory waiting period.

Clean record required: Yes — Must demonstrate rehabilitation and a clean record.

Other requirements:
  • Must have completed all terms of the sentence
  • Application must be published in local newspaper for 30 days

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Submit a pardon application to the Governor's office.
  2. Include conviction details, rehabilitation evidence, and personal statement.
  3. The application must be published for 30 days in the county where the crime was committed (constitutional requirement).
  4. The Governor reviews after the publication period and makes a decision.

What a Pardon Does & Doesn't Do

Gun Rights

A pardon can restore state firearm rights. Federal restrictions may still apply.

Voting Rights

Mississippi has one of the most restrictive voting restoration processes. Certain felonies permanently disenfranchise unless the legislature passes a bill, the Governor grants a pardon, or rights are restored by court order.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not automatically expunge the record. Mississippi has very limited expungement options.

Employment

A pardon can help with employment and licensing.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 3 to 12 months (including the 30-day publication requirement)

Pardon rate: Variable — depends heavily on the Governor

Cost: Free (though newspaper publication costs may apply)

Pardon vs. Expungement in Mississippi

Mississippi has very limited expungement — only certain first-time offenders and specific misdemeanors are eligible. For most convictions, a pardon is the primary option for relief.

See the full Mississippiexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pardon application need to be published in the newspaper?
The Mississippi constitution requires that pardon applications be published for 30 days in the county where the crime was committed before the Governor can act. This provides public notice and transparency.
Can I get my voting rights restored in Mississippi?
Mississippi has one of the most restrictive voting rights restoration processes. For certain disenfranchising offenses, restoration requires a Governor's pardon, an act of the legislature, or a court order.
Does Mississippi offer expungement?
Mississippi has very limited expungement — primarily for first-time offenders and certain misdemeanors. For most convictions, a Governor's pardon is the primary option.

Related Mississippi Pages

Related Resources on This Site

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Pardon and clemency laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney in Mississippi for advice about your specific situation.
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