In June 2019, newly-elected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers reversed the eight-year moratorium on criminal pardons imposed by the former Governor Walker, who refused to issue pardons during his two terms in office. Governor Evers issued Executive Order #30, which reversed Walker’s unprecedented shutdown of executive clemency. This Order reopens an avenue of potential relief for those who have lost some of their rights due to a criminal conviction.
Following his consideration of recommendations made by the Governor's Pardon Advisory Board after their October 14, 2019, hearing, Governor Evers issued pardons to eight individuals on November 8, 2019. “Pardons play a very important role in our criminal justice system and society by giving deserving folks a second chance,” Governor Evers said. “For so many of these individuals, their past record has held them back from achieving personal or career goals, and I look forward to seeing how they use this second chance to give back to their communities and our state.”
While the criteria for pardon eligibility are spelled out (see links in sources section below), the process of obtaining a pardon can be complicated. This makes it advisable for those seeking a pardon to have an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide and assist them in record-gathering, application, development of reasons, references, and at the hearing before the Pardon Advisory Board.
...