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Gov. Mike DeWine, with Dean Christopher Peters of the University of Akron School of Law behind him, announces his expedited pardon process at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. Students from the two schools will help screen applicants.
Gov. Mike DeWine, with Dean Christopher Peters of the University of Akron School of Law behind him, announces his expedited pardon process at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. Students from the two schools will help screen applicants. [Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau]

DeWine Creates Process to Expedite Pardons for Some Former Offenders

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Gov. Mike DeWine says he wants to make it easier and quicker for people who have long-ago criminal convictions to be considered for pardons.

DeWine says he often sees pardon applications for murderers, rapists and other offenders.

“They got a snowball’s chance in hell of getting granted, some of them. And so they’re kind of clogging the system, and the people who really should be applying aren’t applying,” DeWine said.

His expedited pardon process is for people convicted of mostly nonviolent crimes who haven’t re-offended in the last decade. They need to have made good faith efforts to meet sentencing requirements, such as paying restitution. They should have a record of volunteering and/or community service. And they need to have held a job after release from prison or have a specific reason for not working.

A list of offenses that would disqualify someone from the expedited pardon project.
A list of offenses that would disqualify someone from the expedited pardon project. [Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau]
The process isn’t for current inmates. And people who’ve committed violent crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, domestic violence and crimes against minors won’t be eligible for the expedited process.

DeWine said he’s not sure how many people could be affected.

“We don’t know the full impact of this. And so, I’m doing this because I have the power to do it,” DeWine said.

Law students from Ohio State and the University of Akron would screen applicants.

Past criminal convictions can be disqualifiers for employment, housing and student loans.