Help Applying for a Pennsylvania Pardon in Berks County
The Pardon Project of Berks County, based at Connections Work in Reading, helps people with a criminal record apply to have that record pardoned in Pennsylvania. It connects people with community volunteer Pardon Coaches, who are trained in the pardon application process and in the Board of Pardons' consideration factors and can help someone submit their best possible application. This is a free service.
The project assists individuals with a criminal record who have served their sentence, including probation and parole, and are seeking a pardon. In general it helps residents of Berks County or people with convictions in Berks County who have turned their lives around from the time they were involved in the criminal justice system. The page links to the full criteria used to decide who is eligible for free service from the Pardon Coaches but does not print them.
The page gives two different waiting periods, so it is worth checking with the project about your own case. The top of the page says that if you are being held back by a conviction in Pennsylvania for a crime at least five years ago, you could qualify for a pardon. The project's own pre-assessment screening form asks whether it has been at least two years since the completion of your most recent sentence, using the example of someone sentenced to 1 year probation on 1/1/2024 who completed probation on 1/1/2025 and is eligible on 1/1/2027. The screening form also asks whether you live in Berks County, whether you have a conviction in Berks County, whether your fines, fees and restitution are paid in full, and whether you have any convictions involving sex offenses. On the fines question the form notes that they do not have to be paid in full at the time you apply, but they will need to be paid in full to satisfy the Board of Pardons before your hearing.
A pardon is total forgiveness by the state and allows the court, state police, and FBI to erase your record. After a pardon you do not have to "check the box" when filling out an application, and you do not have to tell anyone you were ever convicted. The application for a pardon is free, the form is short, and a lawyer is not necessary. More than 8 out of 10 people who apply get a hearing, and two-thirds of those who apply for a pardon in Pennsylvania get one.
To start, use the "SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE" pre-assessment screening form linked from the Pardon Project page at connectionswork.org/pardon-project, which goes to form.jotform.com/213075021774046. It asks for your name, the name listed on your arrest record if different, your email, phone number and date of birth, along with the eligibility questions above. Information submitted there is kept confidential and used only by the Pardon Project of Berks County to determine eligibility.
For more information, email PardonProject@ConnectionsWork.org. The project is located at Connections Work, 19 N. 6th St, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601, and the organization's general-questions number is 484.260.3860. The page does not give office hours or say whether you can walk in or need an appointment.
You can also do the application yourself. The page links to a pardon application form and instructions in English and in Spanish, a list of things to get from the courthouse in English and in Spanish, an 8-minute film about the Pennsylvania pardon process, a one-hour do-it-yourself video, self-help videos about the application that run about five minutes each, accounts from people who have been through the process, sample statements and a sample reference letter, and information about the Fast Tracks.
The Pardon Project of Berks County was established in October 2021, through the guidance of Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity and State Senator Judy Schwank, in cooperation with the Berks County District Attorney's Office, the Berks County Bar Association, and Connections Work. If you would rather help than apply, volunteer Pardon Coach training is free and takes only an hour; email the same address to volunteer.
Source: connectionswork.org/pardon-project, read November 1, 2026.
The details
In Connections Work’s words
The Pardon Project of Berks County seeks to assist individuals with a criminal record, who have served their sentence (including probation and parole) and are seeking a pardon of their records. The Pardon Project of Berks County connects these individuals with community volunteer Pardon Coaches to aid them in their journey. A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever before. The Pardon Project of…
Organization
Connections Work
Organization profile in our directory →About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from connectionswork.org/pardon-project. Last recorded review: November 1, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.