South Carolina

Applicable Form of Executive Clemency: Pardon- means that an individual is fully pardoned from all legal consequences of his crime and of his conviction, direct and collateral, including the punishment, whether of imprisonment, pecuniary penalty or whatever else the law has provided.

Eligibility: All inmates are eligible to apply for a pardon anytime before becoming parole eligible. Pardon may be granted only upon proof of extraordinary circumstances. The Board of Paroles and Pardons will decide, based on its findings and the information provided by the applicant, if the evidence demonstrates extraordinary circumstances.

Application Process: Applications are available upon request by contacting:

Division of Paroles and Pardons 
SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services 
2221 Devine Street, Suite 600 
PO Box 50666 
Columbia, SC 29250 
Tel: (803) 734-9220

Click here to go to the state Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services webpage that addresses pardon information for South Carolina.

Click here to download the application form.

The application has three components:

  • Information from the applicant. The application form must be filled out completely, signed and dated by the applicant. Be certain to complete the "Release of Information" section of the application.
  • Written letters of reference in support of the pardon. You must list the name, address and home and work telephone numbers for each reference you secure. Each reference must be signed and recently dated by the writer.
  • Payment of an application fee. A one hundred dollar ($100.00), non-refundable fee must accompany an application for pardon in the form of a money order or cashiers check, made payable to the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. If the fee is not included with the application, the application will be returned. Also, no pardon can be granted until all restitution and collection fees are paid in full. It is the responsibility of the applicant to attach to the pardon application a certified statement from the appropriate authority reflecting that all restitution and collection fees have been paid.

Consideration of applications takes on average 7 to 9 months before a hearing may be scheduled in order to verify references and information.

The Board's decision will be the final determination of pardon eligibility. In order for a Pardon Certificate to be issued, a favorable Order of Pardon must be signed by two-thirds of the Board.

Every effort has been made to make this information accurate and up-to-date. Errors are inevitable and changes occur frequently. We would appreciate learning of any errors or inaccuracies regarding any information on this Webpage as soon as possible. Please write to info@cjpf.org

Last Updated: 06/30/14