Pardons for Progress is a strategic initiative through the Mayor’s Office to allow individuals previously convicted of a misdemeanor marijuana possession in the City of Birmingham Municipal Court to apply for a pardon. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin created the initiative to remove a potential barrier to employment for an individual who has a previous misdemeanor marijuana possession conviction.
Section 12-14-15, Code of Alabama, 1975
The Mayor may remit fines and such costs as are payable to the municipality and commute sentences imposed by a municipal court or the court to which an appeal was taken for violations of municipal ordinances and may grant pardons, after conviction, for violation of such ordinances, and he shall report his action to the council or other governing body at the first regular meeting thereof in the succeeding month with his reasons therefor in writing.
Download the Pardons for Progress Application HERE!
Frequently Asked Questions about Pardons for Progress
What is the purpose of Pardons for Progress?
Pardons for Progress will allow individuals previously convicted in the City of Birmingham Municipal Court of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree, (Class A misdemeanor) to apply for a pardon.
The Mayor’s Office has created the initiative to provide an opportunity for individuals to apply for relief from the marijuana conviction to remove a potential barrier for employment.
This applies to cases from the Birmingham Municipal Court only.
Will pardons be on open or closed cases and will the records be sealed?
Pardons for Progress is for closed cases only. Open cases must be resolved in court and will not be considered under Pardons for Progress.
How many years back does a pardon go?
The Mayor’s Office will accept applications for request for a pardon for a marijuana conviction in the Birmingham Municipal Court during the past 20 years.
What convictions will be included in the pardon?
Pardons for Progress only addresses a prior conviction of Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, 2nd Degree (Class A misdemeanor). If there is a conviction of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor) connected to the marijuana possession conviction, it will also be considered.
Who may I contact to request a pardon application?
Go to www.birminghamal.gov/pardons to download or print an application. You may also learn more about the requirements and exceptions to the initiative.
You may mail your completed application to:
Pardons for Progress
Mayor’s Office of Governmental Affairs
710 20th Street North
Birmingham, AL. 35203
How many pardons can one person receive?
If an application is approved, Pardons for Progress will provide only one pardon per individual. Multiple marijuana possession convictions by one individual will not be considered.
How to Complete Pardons for Progress Process?
Step 1: Complete the Application
- The Pardons for Progress application. A completed application should include:
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
- A copy of your social security card.
- You may mail your completed application to:
Pardons for Progress
Mayor’s Office of Governmental Affairs
710 20th Street North
Birmingham, AL. 35203
Step 2: Background Check
- A background check will be conducted.
- Upon completion of the background check, the application will be submitted to the Mayor’s Office.
Step 3: Advisory Council Review
- A five-member Pardons Advisory Council will review the application packet.
- The advisory council will submit a recommendation to the mayor.
Step 4: Pardons for Progress Notification
- The approved list of pardons will be forwarded to the president of the Birmingham City Council for transparency, pursuant with Alabama law.
- Applications will be submitted to the Mayor’s Pardons for Progress Council.
- The Office of the Mayor will issue a Certificate of Pardon to the individual or notify the individual that the application has been denied.
How long does the pardon process take?
The process of evaluating a pardon application can take a minimum of six weeks.
What is being sought out on background checks?
Prior convictions.
Who should I contact regarding the status of my pardon?
Upon the submission of an application, you will be notified if additional information is needed, or if a decision has been made about your application.
For more information about Pardons for Progress or to print an application, go to www.birminghamal.gov.
Will a pardon include a refund of previous fines or court costs?
No. An approved applicant will only receive a pardon. There will be no refund of fines or court costs from the prior conviction.
Does a pardon restore a suspended driver’s license?
No. If a person receives a pardon, it only addresses a conviction in the City of Birmingham Municipal Court.
In addition, a pardon in a City of Birmingham case does not change the status of convictions in federal or state courts, nor does it change the status in another municipality’s jurisdiction.
What is the benefit of a pardon from a marijuana possession conviction?
A marijuana possession conviction can appear on an individual’s background check when seeking employment. In some cases, such a conviction eliminates the opportunity for employment.
Pardons for Progress is an initiative to provide a pardon for individuals who have a case closed by the Birmingham Municipal Court after the individual completed all of the requirements due to their conviction.
The pardon of a marijuana conviction removes a barrier to employment that may exist due to that conviction.
See the latest news on Pardons for Progress
Mayor Randall Woodfin on his Pardons for Progress initiative
Mayor Randall Woodfin on his Pardons for Progress initiative for first time offenders convicted of marijuana possession in Birmingham.
Posted by What's Happening Birmingham on Wednesday, October 7, 2020
