Free Help Applying for a Pardon From the Pardon Project of Berks County
The Pardon Project of Berks County, based at Connections Work in Reading, helps people with a criminal record apply for a pardon of that record in Pennsylvania. It connects people with community volunteer Pardon Coaches, who are trained to understand the pardon application process and 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. If a conviction in Pennsylvania for a crime at least five years ago is holding you back, you could qualify for a pardon. In general the project 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.
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. Since 2019, more than 8 out of 10 applicants 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" screening form linked from the Pardon Project page at connectionswork.org/pardon-project, which goes to form.jotform.com/213075021774046. For more information you can email PardonProject@ConnectionsWork.org. The project's address is Connections Work, 19 N. 6th St, 4th Floor, Reading, PA 19601, and the organization's general phone number is 484.260.3860. The page does not give office hours, a cost for coaching beyond saying the service is free, or say whether you can walk in or need an appointment, so ask when you contact them.
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 new 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 September 18, 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.
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: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.