AS NUMBER OF JOBLESS INCREASES, NUMBER OF THOSE IN NEED OF GOVERNOR'S PARDON INCREASES

The jobless crisis brings another dimension to the discussion: those with criminal records, whether a felony conviction or a simple misdemeanor arrest, are going to have a tougher time getting a job. In Illinois, people with misdemeanor arrests can generally expunge or seal their records from the general public view. But, in Illinois, felony convictions (besides a special type of probation given to a select class of drug or prostitution offenders) are permanently on your record...unless...the Governor grants you a pardon, otherwise known as executive clemency.

Background checks are becoming more and more prevalent. Employers are using the background check as a tool to easily weed out potential employees. Recent studies show that there are six applicants per one job opening. If you have a criminal record, the employer is probably very likely to toss you from the pile and move on to the other applicants.

In Illinois, Governor Blagojevich left approximately 2500 pardon petitions on his desk when he was tossed from office. Since Governor Quinn has stepped in, almost a year ago, he has granted just 18 pardons. Keep in mind, the backlog has grown even more - the Illinois Prisoner Review Board hears cases four times a year. So I bet there are at least an additional 500 stacked up for Governor Quinn.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for a pardon if you need one. Hey, you don't get unless you ask. Or, you can always retain me and I'll do the asking for you!

In April 2009, Governor Quinn called the backlog "shameful" and vowed to start answering the petitions. But, since then, he has only granted 18.

People need pardons, especially in this poor economic time. Many people think a pardon is just for the serial killer or child rapist who served time in prison. Not true! Did you know that if you ever pleaded guilty or were found guilty of a felony and were sentenced to probation -- besides a few exceptions -- you are a convicted felon and you need a pardon if you want a cleared record! We must change the way society thinks about a pardon. The majority of my clients are seeking a pardon for a stupid mistake they made in their early 20's. Now, 10, 20, 30 years later, the person wants to move forward in their life and the felony probation keeps popping up on a background check.

Those who made a mistake should not have to pay for it for their entire life.

Our Governor, and governors across the country, can send a signal to society by granting pardons - We must be a more forgiving and less punitive society. Those who can prove rehabilitation should be entitled to eventually wipe their slate clean and leave the past in the past.

I cannot explain the feeling I get when I see the pain in an entire family's eyes, just because of a loved one's mistake. I cannot explain the feeling I get when I see a client who regrets making a stupid decision and has lost so much confidence because he cannot get a job. One of my clients recently applied for over 50 jobs in 8 months. Each time, his felony theft from over 10 years ago pops up.

Pardons are not just for the "underbelly" of society. You would be surprised to know most people in need of a pardon look just like you and me.

The Governor is the only person who can grant a pardon. He has a specific, enumerated power given to him; therefore, he must act on those requests. It is unfortunate the the Illinois Prisoner Review Board continues to do their job: they hear countless cases, stories, reasons, etc. from countless petitioners and countless parents. Unfortunately, all they can do is "recommend" denial or granting and then move onto the next case. Governor Quinn must start acting on that "shameful" backlog.

www.xpunged.com and www.tamaraholder.com