Since 2019, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s Expedited Pardon Project has given more than 100 people a second chance by simplifying and speeding up the pardon process.

Partnering law schools provide free support for those submitting pardon requests, and those submitted through the project are fast-tracked for consideration by the Ohio Parole Board.

“Those who’ve transformed their lives after a criminal conviction deserve an opportunity to live up to their God-given potential,” DeWine said. “The pardons I’ve had the privilege of issuing as part of this program affirm the positive changes that the recipients have made in their post-conviction lives and allow them to let go of the mistakes that have been holding them back.”

Over the past four years, 108 people have received a pardon through the expedited process.

“In the letters I wrote to the governor, I asked for grace,” said Carla Thomas of Summit County. “I’ve accomplished so many things, but I was living with a black cloud over my head. I have a second shot at life now.”

If you or someone you know has done the hard work to turn around a life that is still followed by such a black cloud, what a gift it would be to pursue this process.