How do I apply for a Traditional Pardon directly from the Governor (without a Certificate of Rehabilitation)?

Here is a summary of the steps to apply for a Traditional Pardon directly from the Governor. For a more detailed explanation of each step, see APPENDIX Y, PG. 1059.

The Application

You will need to fill out the “Application for Gubernatorial Pardon” with information about the conviction you want pardoned, any other convictions on your record, and why you deserve a pardon.

    You can get the application online at: http://gov.ca.gov/s_pardonsandcommutations.php, or request an application by mail from the Governor’s office:

Governor’s Office

State Capitol

ATTN: Legal Affairs

Sacramento, CA 95814

Notice to the District Attorney

    Before sending your application to the Governor, you must notify the District Attorney in the county where your conviction is from that you intend to request a pardon.[3194] There is a special form to use for this, which is included in the Application for Gubernatorial Pardon.
    You must deliver your notice for to the DA(s) at least 10 days before you submit your application to the Governor.[3195]

Submitting your Application to the Governor’s Office

    At least 10 days after sending your notice to the DA(s), you can mail your completed Application for Gubernatorial Pardon to the Governor’s Office:[3196]

Governor’s OfficeState CapitolATTN: Legal AffairsSacramento, CA 95814

  1. 3194

    Cal. Penal Code § 4802; 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq.

  2. 3195

    Cal. Penal Code § 4802.

  3. 3196

    See How to Apply for a Pardon, State of Cal. Office of the Governor (Sept. 5, 2013), http://gov.ca.gov/docs/How_To_Apply_for_a_Pardon.pdf.