No one is immune from the law, and unfortunately, the law doesn't always feel fair. For example, in 2017, Rapper Meek Mill was charged with a felony crime after popping a wheelie on a bike without a helmet. This criminal charge was only one of many levied against Mr. Mill over the years, and there's a significant issue with how these charges can snowball all because of an old criminal record.

Recently, the governor of Pennsylvania issued a Pardon for Meek Mill. In response, the rapper issued a public “thank you” and added he would work to do more for his community and God.

The Impact of a Pardon

Pardons are important on two key fronts. First, a pardon allows a person to live up to their potential. Second, a pardon often inspires those with criminal histories to become contributing citizens in their communities. This can especially be the case when those with a criminal history haven't committed any bad acts in recent years.

Pardons have a huge impact on those who receive them. Even Meek Mill, who has significant resources, was spurred to make an emotional statement after he received his pardon. For those who aren't as financially stable or whose earning potential is catastrophically truncated by their criminal history, pardons can be life-changing.

We all make mistakes when we're younger, and it's unfortunate that sometimes the ramifications of those mistakes last a lifetime. Criminal records can affect your ability to:

• Pursue higher education
• Seek professional licensure
• Adopt children
• Work with vulnerable populations
• Qualify to rent housing

Pardons are incredibly important in helping those with criminal records to move forward in life as contributing citizens of their communities.

What a Pardon Means

When you're pardoned, the rights that were stripped from you because of the criminal conviction will be restored. There are numerous benefits of obtaining a pardon, including:

• Obtaining better employment
• Passing background checks
• Restoring gun rights
• Accessing government financial aid options

Those who are eligible to seek a pardon should do so. While the process can be lengthy, it's worthwhile when successful. Working with an experienced PA pardon attorney will vastly improve your success rate. If seeking a pardon is the right route for you, there may be other options available that you and your attorney can discuss.

Contact a PA Criminal Defense Lawyer

The pardon process can be complicated, and those who work with an experienced attorney will have a better chance of success. Our Criminal Law Team understands how important a pardon can be to your future. If you'd like to learn how the LLF Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686, or contact us online today.