For many Pennsylvanians living with old, non violent convictions, the clemency process has long felt slow, confusing, and out of reach. Recent updates from the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons are designed to make some of those second chances more realistic, especially for people whose records involve older, non violent offenses.What is “expedited” clemency review?The expedited clemency review track is a way for certain pardon applicants to be reviewed more quickly under streamlined criteria. Applicants no longer need to ask for expedited treatment—the Board now automatically screens every application to see if it qualifies, and if a case does, the applicant is notified later in the process.To qualify, you must have a minimum of five years, and in some cases as many as fifteen years, since your last contact with the criminal justice system, and your convictions must fall within eligible categories. In general: People with older non violent, limited records may qualify after a set number of years since their last contact with the criminal justice system. Some specific offenses (like certain misdemeanor retail theft and marijuana possession offenses) are eligible for expedited consideration after five years without new criminal justice contact, where there is only one case on the application. Applicants with more serious records or multiple cases may still be eligible, but often only after longer waiting periods of 10 or 15 years without new contact.At the same time, certain categories are treated differently or are effectively excluded from expedited review, even if the conviction is old. These include offenses involving firearms, homicide, serious assault or sexual offenses, certain controlled substance and vehicle offenses, crimes involving harm to children or minors, burglary and robbery, and various felony level intimidation or public safety offenses. For those offenses, the Board may require the standard, non expedited process even when the applicant meets the time since last contact threshold.In other words, the program focuses on people whose contact with the criminal justice system is in the past, whose records do not involve disqualifying categories, and who have remained conviction free for a meaningful period of time.What does “expedited” change in practice?It is important to understand that “expedited” does not mean “fast” in an everyday sense. The Board itself notes that clemency can still take years from filing to final decision. The expedited track can shorten the timeline and simplify review for qualifying cases, but it does not guarantee a hearing or a grant of clemency.In practice, the expanded program means: More people with older non violent records may have a realistic path to a somewhat faster Board review, especially those with single case records and marijuana or retail theft convictions. Applicants are no longer required to navigate an additional “expedited request” form; the Board handles eligibility screening behind the scenes. The Board is clearer about who qualifies and who does not, which allows individuals and counsel to make more informed decisions about timing and strategy.Even if an application qualifies, the Board of Pardons maintains full discretion as to whether to apply expedited review or use the standard process. Likewise, an expedited review does not ensure that one will receive a public hearing or that eventual clemency will be granted; each application still goes through investigation, internal merit review, and, in some cases, a public hearing before the Board makes a recommendation and the Governor decides whether to issue a pardon.Where can people learn more?The Pennsylvania Board of Pardons maintains a public page describing the expedited clemency review criteria, including offense categories, disqualifying offenses, and waiting period rules.People considering clemency can: Review the Commonwealth’s official information on expedited review and the overall clemency process. Download and study the application for clemency, which explains documentation requirements and submission instructions. Understand that incomplete applications (especially those missing required court documents) may delay review or result in rejection.For more detail, see the Commonwealth’s page here: Expedited Clemency Review – Pennsylvania Board of PardonsHow Gross McGinley can helpFor people across Eastern Pennsylvania, the clemency process is rarely simple, and the stakes can be high. The attorneys in Gross McGinley’s Criminal Defense group work with clients to evaluate whether clemency is appropriate, understand how the expedited rules apply to their individual records, and assemble applications that accurately reflect their history and rehabilitation.Navigating pardons and record clearing tools is about more than checking boxes; it is about telling a full, honest story that aligns with Pennsylvania’s criteria and the Board’s expectations. If you or a family member are considering clemency, we encourage you to reach out to discuss your specific situation and understand next steps.