Philadelphia Lawyers For Social Equity

Pardon Project - With few exceptions expunging a conviction first requires a pardon from the Governor. PLSE began the Pardon Project in 2018 when the process cost money and resulted in failure for over 90% of all applicants . Today thanks to reforms driven by PLSE the application is free online and written mostly in Plain English. PLSE accepted 310 new clients for pardon services in FY25. Its Pardon Project Steering Committee all with lived experience in the criminal justice system continues to thrive and serve as a source of community support for pardon applicants both PLSE clients and others. All participants completing an intake for the Criminal Record Expungement Project are also screened for pardon eligibility.

Community Education - PLSE conducted 15 training sessions for individuals interested in volunteering as Pardon Coaches. PLSE manages the website www.PardonMePA.org offering information to individuals and community groups statewide. The organization also expanded its Video Library to assist individuals seeking record-clearing volunteers and communities looking to establish Pardon Projects.