PIERRE, S.D. (KELO AM) South Dakota is the first state in the nation with a paperless process for applying for pardons for criminal convictions.
Governor Dennis Daugaard (R) says the new website allows people seeking clemency to do it all online, even from a smart phone.
"It gives those seeking a pardon an efficient way to apply online without cost. It is also more efficient for the Board of Pardons and Paroles, who must look at the application...."
The new website, https://doc.sd.gov/pardon, is a guided, interactive process to help applicants determine eligibility, complete the application and submit a request online. It is mobile-friendly and clemency seekers can complete the application on their phones.
There is no cost to apply for a pardon on the website. Fees to obtain court documents and assessments still apply.
Only the Governor has the authority to grant or deny pardons, but the process starts with the Board of Pardons and Paroles and, now, with this new website, it is even easier to start the process.