Fighting for Your Second Chance After a Military Conviction

If you’ve been convicted by court-martial, you may feel like the stain on your record will follow you forever—affecting your career, your reputation, your civil rights, and your peace of mind. But there is hope.

At National Security Law Firm, our Military Pardon Lawyers specialize in navigating the complex and often misunderstood process of securing presidential pardons and clemency for military convictions. Whether you’re seeking a full pardon, commutation of sentence, or remission of fines, our elite legal team has the experience, strategic insight, and connections needed to give your application the best possible chance of success.

What Is a Military Pardon?

A presidential pardon is an act of forgiveness that restores many civil rights, including the right to vote, own firearms, and hold public office. For veterans, it can also pave the way toward restoring honor and dignity—and can support a discharge upgrade or access to VA benefits. A commutation reduces a sentence without erasing the conviction, while remission cancels fines or forfeitures.

Military offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) are eligible for presidential clemency. However, military pardon applications follow a distinct procedure, requiring review and recommendation from the military branch before they’re forwarded to the Department of Justice and the President.

Who Can Apply for a Military Pardon or Clemency?

You may be eligible to apply for military clemency if:

  • You were convicted by court-martial in any branch of the military.

  • You have completed your sentence (or nearly completed it).

  • At least five years have passed since the conviction or release.

  • You have demonstrated rehabilitation and good conduct since your conviction.

  • You are willing to accept responsibility and show genuine remorse.

Whether your offense was related to war, substance use, personal misconduct, or even outdated policies like Article 125 (LGBTQ+ convictions), you have the right to seek a second chance.

The Military Pardon Process: Step-by-Step

Unlike civilian clemency applications, military pardons must first go through your branch of service before reaching the President. Here’s what the process looks like:

  1. Submit Application to Military Branch

    • Applications are submitted to your former branch’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) via the Secretary of the military department.

    • Each branch—Army, Navy/Marines, Air Force/Space Force, and Coast Guard—has its own designated clemency review division.

  2. TJAG Review and Recommendation

  3. Forwarded to the Department of Justice

  4. Presidential Decision

    • The DOJ conducts a full background investigation and provides its own recommendation to the President.

    • Only the President of the United States can approve your pardon or clemency request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from a civilian pardon?
Military pardons go through an extra layer of review by your former service branch before reaching the DOJ. Civilian convictions are submitted directly to the DOJ’s Office of the Pardon Attorney.

Does a pardon erase my conviction?
No. A pardon does not expunge or delete the conviction—it forgives the offense and restores your civil rights. The record will still show you were convicted but also that you were pardoned.

Will a pardon upgrade my military discharge?
No. A pardon does not automatically upgrade a Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharge. However, it can be used as powerful evidence in a discharge upgrade application, and NSLF can help you pursue both.

What is a commutation?
A commutation reduces the sentence imposed by a court-martial, such as shortening confinement time. It does not erase the conviction but can offer relief if you’re still serving time or facing serious consequences.

What happens if my pardon is denied?
Unfortunately, there’s no appeal. But you can reapply after a waiting period, and NSLF can help strengthen your future submission.

How long does it take?
Military clemency applications often take months or even years, especially after reaching the DOJ. Timely, strategic, and complete applications are essential.

Why Choose NSLF as Your Military Pardon Lawyer?

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You

When it comes to military pardons, the stakes are sky-high—and so is the complexity. At NSLF, we don’t just understand the system—we’ve worked inside it. We are one of the only firms in the country focused exclusively on military and federal law, and we’re proud to be recognized as a leader in presidential clemency matters.

  • Unmatched Experience in Military and Federal Law. Led by Duane “Dak” Kees, former U.S. Attorney and Army JAG officer, our team brings together elite experience from both sides of the military justice system. Dak has prosecuted court-martials and reviewed clemency requests from within the system. He knows exactly how to craft compelling petitions that meet the expectations of military reviewers, DOJ officials, and the White House.
  • Strategic Advocacy with Insider Access. Dak’s time in the Department of Justice and on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committees gives NSLF a rare edge. We understand the politics, relationships, and nuance behind presidential clemency—critical in cases where discretion and influence matter. While no one can guarantee results, our team is skilled at positioning applications to be seen and seriously considered.
  • Battle-Tested Legal Team with a Singular Focus. Our attorneys aren’t dabblers in military law. We’re a battle-hardened unit composed of former military prosecutors, defense counsel, and government advisors. We’ve tried cases in combat zones, advised senior commanders, and fought to restore justice for veterans.
  • Customized, Compassionate Support. We treat every client as a mission. Your story matters—and we’ll work with you to highlight your growth, character, and need for relief. Whether you’re seeking restoration of your rights, a better future, or redemption for a past mistake, we stand ready to go to war for your second chance.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk.

A military conviction doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you’re a Vietnam-era veteran, a recent service member, or someone impacted by outdated policies, our Military Pardon Lawyers are here to help you reclaim your life, dignity, and rights.

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