Las Vegas Nevada Pardons & Restoration of Civil Rights Lawyer
A criminal conviction does not have to be a life sentence.
You have served your time and paid your fines, yet the punishment continues every time you apply for a job or try to purchase a firearm. In Nevada, completing your sentence doesn’t automatically restore your full citizenship. Instead, an old conviction often lingers like a shadow, legally barring you from career advancement and stripping you of your Second Amendment right to bear arms. It feels unfair because it is.
But this status isn’t permanent if you take the right legal steps. At The Vegas Lawyers, we specialize in guiding Nevadans through the complex process of official forgiveness—specifically Pardons and Rights Restoration. We don’t just file paperwork; we craft a compelling narrative of your rehabilitation that demands respect.
Why trust your future to us? Because our lead attorney, Tony Abbatangelo, is a former Chief Judge of the Las Vegas Justice Court. He has sat on the bench and evaluated thousands of cases. He possesses the insider knowledge to know exactly what the State of Nevada and the Pardons Board need to see to grant your request.
Restoring your civil rights is a complex bureaucratic battle, but you don’t have to fight it alone. Whether you are seeking to seal a record or restore your gun rights, we know how to present your story to ensure you are finally, truly free to move forward.When you are ready to ask the State of Nevada for official forgiveness, don’t just fill out a form, tell it to the Judge.
What is a Pardon in Nevada?
A Pardon is an act of grace and mercy granted by the State of Nevada. It is the highest form of relief available to someone convicted of a crime.
Under NRS 213.090, a full, unconditional pardon officially “forgives” the crime. While it does not automatically erase the history of the event (unless combined with record sealing), it removes the legal disabilities that resulted from the conviction.
The power to grant pardons lies solely with the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners. This Board is comprised of the most powerful elected officials in the state:
- The Governor of Nevada
- The Attorney General of Nevada
- The Justices of the Nevada Supreme Court
Because this Board meets infrequently and reviews hundreds of applications, the standards for granting a pardon are incredibly high. They are not looking for excuses; they are looking for proof of rehabilitation.
The Difference Between Record Sealing and a Pardon
Many clients confuse record sealing with pardons. It is critical to understand the difference, as they achieve different goals.
| Feature | Record Sealing | Pardon |
| Primary Function | Hides the record from the public and most employers. | Officially forgives the crime and restores civil rights. |
| Gun Rights Restoration | NO. Sealing a record does not restore firearm rights. | YES. A full pardon is the only state-level way to restore gun rights for felons/DV offenders. |
| Gaming/Casino Employment | The Nevada Gaming Control Board can still see sealed records. | A pardon can significantly improve your chances of licensing. |
| “Have You Been Convicted?” | You can legally say “No” on most applications. | The conviction remains, but you can state you were “Pardoned.” |
Note: The Vegas Lawyers frequently pursue both strategies simultaneously to provide clients with maximum relief.
Restoration of Civil Rights: Reclaiming Your Second Amendment
The most common reason our clients seek a pardon is to restore their right to own, possess, and use firearms.
In Nevada, if you are convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you are permanently prohibited from owning a gun. This ban applies even if you never served prison time. Getting caught with a firearm as a “prohibited person” is a serious new felony charge.
A Pardon is the only legal mechanism under Nevada law to fully restore these rights.
Voting, Jury Duty, and Public Office
Recent changes to Nevada law (specifically AB 55 passed in 2019) have made the restoration of some rights automatic:
- Right to Vote: Usually restored immediately upon release from prison.
- Jury Duty (Civil): Restored immediately upon discharge from parole/probation.
- Jury Duty (Criminal): Restored 6 years after discharge.
- Holding Public Office: Restored 4 years after discharge.
However, these automatic restorations do not apply to firearms. If you want to hunt with your children, protect your home, or simply exercise your constitutional rights, you must petition the Board of Pardons Commissioners.
Eligibility: Can I Apply for a Pardon?
Not everyone is eligible for a pardon immediately. The Board requires that a “significant period of time” has passed since your case was closed. This demonstrates to the Board that you have successfully reintegrated into society.
General Waiting Periods (Post-Sentence Completion):
- Misdemeanor Domestic Violence: 5 years.
- Category E Felony: 6 years.
- Category C or D Felony: 8-9 years.
- Category B Felony: 10 years.
- Category A Felony: 12+ years.
Note: These times start from the date you were released from probation, parole, or prison—not the date of conviction.
What constitutes “Rehabilitation”?
Meeting the time requirement is just the minimum. To win a pardon, you must prove you have changed. As your legal team, we help you compile a “Pardon Packet” that may include:
- Proof of steady employment or business ownership.
- Letters of recommendation from community leaders, clergy, or employers.
- Certificates of education or trade completion.
- Evidence of community service or charitable work.
- A personal statement accepting responsibility and demonstrating remorse.
The Nevada Pardon Process: Step-by-Step
Navigating the pardon process is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take 12 to 24 months from application to decision. Here is how The Vegas Lawyers guides you through it:
1. Case Analysis & Strategy
We begin by reviewing your entire criminal history. We obtain the necessary court dockets and police reports to ensure we have an accurate picture of what the Board will see. We identify any “red flags” that needs to be addressed proactively.
2. The Application (The “Packet”)
We draft a comprehensive application. This is not just a form; it is a legal argument for your character. We craft a narrative that highlights your journey from conviction to redemption.
3. Investigation by Parole & Probation
Once your application passes initial screening, it is assigned to the Division of Parole and Probation (P&P) for a background investigation. An investigator will scrutinize your finances, your home life, and your current conduct. We prepare you for this scrutiny to ensure you make the best possible impression.
4. The Hearing
If the Board selects your application for review, you may be granted a hearing. This is the critical moment. You will appear before the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Supreme Court Justices.
This is where having a former judge helps. Tony Abbatangelo knows how to present a case to a panel of high-ranking officials. We will prepare you for the tough questions: “Why should we restore your gun rights?” “How do we know you won’t reoffend?”
5. The Decision
If granted, you will receive an official Pardon Document signed by the Secretary of State. If your gun rights are restored, this document will explicitly state that the prohibition is lifted.
Why Choose The Vegas Lawyers?
There are many attorneys in Las Vegas, but few have sat on the bench.
Tony Abbatangelo served as a Chief Judge in Las Vegas. He has sentenced thousands of individuals and knows exactly how the justice system views criminal records. He has seen the system from both sides—as the authority figure handing down sentences, and now as the fierce advocate fighting to lift them.
When you hire The Vegas Lawyers, you get:
- Credibility: We know how to speak the language of the courts.
- Honesty: We won’t take your money if we don’t believe you have a viable path to a pardon.
- Tenacity: We don’t let bureaucratic delays derail your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a pardon erase my criminal record in Nevada?
No. A pardon does not physically “erase” or destroy the record of your conviction; that requires a separate process called Record Sealing. However, a pardon adds an official notation to your criminal history stating that the crime has been forgiven by the state. A pardon relieves you of legal disabilities, whereas sealing simply hides the record from public view.
Can I restore my gun rights if I was convicted of Domestic Violence?
Yes, but only through a Pardon. Under federal and state law (NRS 202.360), a conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence prohibits you from owning a firearm. Record sealing does not lift this ban. You must apply to the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners and specifically request the restoration of your Second Amendment rights.
How long does the pardon process take?
The process is lengthy. Due to the detailed investigation conducted by the Division of Parole and Probation and the infrequent meetings of the Board, it typically takes 12 to 24 months to receive a final decision.
Who is on the Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners?
The Board consists of the Governor of Nevada, the Attorney General, and the Justices of the Nevada Supreme Court. Granting a pardon requires a majority vote from these members.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a pardon?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, it is highly recommended. The application is a legal document, and the Board rejects many applications that are incomplete, vague, or fail to compellingly demonstrate rehabilitation. An experienced attorney ensures your application is persuasive and legally sound.
Does a Nevada pardon work for Federal convictions?
No. The Nevada Board of Pardons Commissioners only has authority over crimes committed under Nevada state law. If you have a federal conviction, you must apply for a Presidential Pardon through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney.
Ready to Clear Your Name?
Don’t let the past control your future.
If you have changed your life, you deserve to have your rights restored. The process is difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone. Get the experience of a former Chief Judge on your side.
Contact The Vegas Lawyers today.
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