Lehigh County announced on Jan. 29, the Pardon Project was created to help members of the community who were convicted of a nonviolent crime, completed their sentence for at least five years, and their past is holding them back from pursuing their full potential.

A pardon is total forgiveness by the state and a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance.

In Pennsylvania, the pardon process is free and more accessible than ever.

Under Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong’s administration, there will now be a pardon coordinator embedded in the Public Defender’s Office.

Guidelines to qualify for the Lehigh County Pardon Project are the same financial guidelines used to qualify residents for legal representation through the Lehigh County Public Defender’s Office.

In addition, there are guidelines regarding which cases the Pardon Project will accept.

Further information regarding the Lehigh County Pardon Project can be found at pardonmepa.org/lehigh­­.

The potential benefits of a pardon and expungement are significant and can create a range of opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.

Lehigh County wants to help its residents realize this opportunity.