The Nebraska Board of Pardons is established under Article IV, Section 13 of the Nebraska Constitution. The Board consists of the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State.
The Board has the authority to grant reprieves, commutations, pardons, and to remit fines and forfeitures for offenses against the State of Nebraska, except in cases of treason and impeachment.
The Board of Pardons reviews applications to determine whether relief is appropriate based on the individual circumstances of each case. Every application is carefully evaluated in accordance with Nebraska law, established procedures, and the materials submitted.
Board meetings are conducted in accordance with Nebraska law. Hearings are public and applicants may attend and bring supporters.
The Process:
- Submission of a completed application
- Review and investigation
- Notice to required parties
- Consideration by the Board at a scheduled meeting
- Vote of the Board members
A majority vote of the Board is required for action. Each application is considered individually. The granting of clemency is discretionary and is not guaranteed.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
The pardons board process can take several months to several years from the date the application is received in the pardons board office before the board will review your application and determine if they are willing to grant you a hearing. Understand that:
- Applications are processed according to the date they are received in the Nebraska Board of Pardons Office.
- Dockets can close at any time.
- There is no guarantee that any application received will be scheduled for the most current docket available.
- As numerous applications are received daily, any application received can be postponed and scheduled for a future Pardons Board meeting.
- When applying for a pardon, list every misdemeanor and/or felony you have been found guilty of; failing to do so, may impact your pardon eligibility and/or restoration of firearms.
- Nebraska Board of Pardons Agenda March 31, 2026.pdf
