| The South Carolina Paroles and Pardons Board has the authority to grant a pardon to an offender. If an offender applies for a pardon, a hearing will be held - similar to a parole hearing. Victims, if we have their current address, will be notified 30 days prior to the hearing date. Victims have the right to attend the hearing, if they so desire, and present testimony to the Paroles and Pardons Board. Victims may also voice their opposition to a pardon by submitting letters or petitions.
Pardon Hearings are conducted at the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services at 2221 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina. Victims wait in a separate waiting area from the offenders, and present their testimony to the Board after the offender has left the hearing room. Every effort is made to ensure that there is no contact between the victim and the offender.
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for direction to Parole/Pardon hearings. |
If you plan to attend a hearing to oppose a pardon, you should contact Missy Rodgers, Assistant Director of Victim Services, or Sandra McCray, Victim Services Liaison, at 1-888-551-4118 (toll free) or 803-734-9367 if calling from the Columbia area. On the designated hearing date, you should arrive at the specified time indicated on your letter.
The Board will allow up to five victims and witnesses to appear regarding an offender's request for pardon. Limitations or exceptions to this guideline will be considered on an individual basis.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Victim Services staff, who will explain the hearing process to you and answer any questions you may have. The hearings are public hearings by law so please be aware that an audiotape is being made of each hearing.
Once you enter the hearing room, the Parole Board Chairman will ask you to state your name for the record. It is helpful if you also state your relationship to the victim, or the name of the organization you are representing. After you have informed the Board of your reasons for opposition, you will be escorted back into the waiting area, and a member of the Victim Services Staff will advise you of the Board's decision. If the request for a pardon is denied, the offender may reapply after one year.
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for more information about when an offender can apply for a pardon, and what rights a pardon will restore. |
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