Victim Services

Pardon Hearing Explanation

Glossary of Terms

Pardon Hearings

The SC Board of Paroles and PardonsBoardhas the authority to grant a pardon.  A hearing will be held and victims (if we have their current address) will be notified 30 days prior to the hearing date.  Like parole hearings, victims have the right to participate at the hearing.

Victims may appear in person.  Pardon hearings are conducted at the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services located at 293 Greystone Blvd., Columbia, South Carolina 29210. Victims may also attend the hearing by videoconferencing at the Allendale, Anderson, Charleston, Chesterfield, Florence, Greenville, Marietta, Orangeburg, Rock Hill, Spartanburg or Walterboro Remote Videoconferencing Site.  Victims may participate virtually, by phone or by providing statement/letter for the SC Board of Paroles and Pardons.

If you plan to participate in a pardon hearing, you should contact the Office of Victim Services by email at victimservices@ppp.sc.gov or by phone at 803-734-4770 or 1-888-551-4418 (toll free).  

Note deadlines for participation are listed on the hearing notice.  Failure to notify may result in the case being heard without your participation.   

Click here for directions to Pardon Hearings.

The hearings are public hearings by law so please be aware that an audiotape of each hearing is being made.

The SC Board of Paroles and Pardons will allow up to five victims and witnesses to appear regarding pardon consideration.  Limitations or exceptions to this guideline will be considered on an individual basis.

The Board chairman will ask you to state your name for the record and your relationship to the victim/case. After you have participated in the hearing,a member of the Victim Services staff will advise you of the Board’s decision.

If the request for a pardon is denied, the applicant may reapply after one year.

Click here for more information about the pardon application process and what rights a pardon will restore.