A pardon is an official act that “forgives” a person for a criminal offense. In South Carolina, a person who receives a “pardon” has all of their civil rights restored. How common are pardons? An average of 300 to 400 are issued in South Carolina each year. Here, our Charleston criminal defense lawyer explains the key things to know about pardons in South Carolina, including the process for getting one and how often they are granted.
What it Means to Be Pardoned in South Carolina
A pardon in South Carolina is an official act that forgives a person for a criminal offense. To be clear, it is not a full expungement. It does not erase the conviction. However, a pardon does restore certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, serve on a jury, and the right to hold public office. Beyond that, a pardon removes certain state-mandated restrictions on access to professional licenses.
A Pardon is Not Granted By the Governor (Seven-Member Board)
As explained by S.C. Governor Henry McMaster, “all pardons are granted by a seven-member board, not the Governor.” Instead, pardons are decided by a seven-member board known as the Board of Paroles and Pardons. The board is an independent body that is part of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (DPPPS). To receive a pardon, an applicant must secure a majority vote from the board.
The Governor of South Carolina does not have the power to grant pardons or clemency. Unlike in many other states, where governors can issue pardons, commutations, or reprieves, South Carolina’s seven-member Board of Paroles and Pardons is solely responsible for granting pardons. The governor does, however, have limited emergency powers, such as issuing reprieves. The Governor may also commute a death sentence to life imprisonment.
A Few Hundred Pardons are Issued Each Year on Average
How likely are you to be approved for a pardon? The answer depends on several case-specific factors. With that being said, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, there are an average of 300 to 400 pardons issued statewide each year.
For reference, Greenville News cited data showing that from May 2023 through December 2024, the Board of Paroles and Pardons considered 1,277 pardon requests from residents of South Carolina. Slightly more than half (52 percent) were granted, while 46 percent of pardon requests received during that period were denied. A few dozen more were rejected on technical eligibility grounds.
Speak to Our Charleston Criminal Defense Attorney for a Confidential Case Review
At Query Sauter & Associates, LLC, our Charleston criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and experience that you can trust. If you have any questions or concerns about pardons or criminal law more generally, we can help. Call us now or contact us online for a fully confidential, no-obligation case review. From our Charleston law office, we defend felony charges throughout South Carolina.