- Banned
- #341
No, a recipient of a Presidential pardon does not have to have been convicted of a crime. A Presidential pardon can be granted to someone who has been convicted, charged, or even to someone who has not yet been formally accused of a crime. The pardon serves to forgive the individual for any federal offenses they may have committed, effectively removing any legal penalties associated with those offenses.
A notable example is President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon. Nixon had not been formally charged with any crimes related to the Watergate scandal at the time of the pardon.
A notable example is President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon. Nixon had not been formally charged with any crimes related to the Watergate scandal at the time of the pardon.