A Presidential Pardon is a form of forgiveness and absolution for serious crimes, granted by the South African government. When a person is pardoned, they are essentially forgiven for their wrongdoing, and their conviction is wiped clean, as if they were never found guilty.
It's important to note that only the South African President has the authority to make the decision to grant a pardon. However, the pardon process is a lengthy one that involves various role players, and can take up to two years or more to finalize.The pardon process is not available to those who maintain their innocence, and it's not a substitute for an appeal procedure. Rather, it's an option for individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes, such as direct imprisonment or payment of a fine exceeding R20,000.
Before applying for a Presidential Pardon, individuals must first submit an application for Criminal Record Expungement. If this application is denied, the Department of Justice will provide a letter outlining the reasons for the denial, and advising that a Presidential Pardon is required.
There are a number of reasons why an application for Criminal Record Expungement may be denied, and it's important to seek professional advice from experts like Louwrens Koen Attorneys for more information. If you're considering applying for a Presidential Pardon, it's important to understand the process and the criteria involved. While it may be a lengthy process, it can provide a second chance for individuals who have made mistakes in the past and are looking to move forward with a clean slate.