Federal Pardons &
Florida Clemency
Everyone deserves a second chance. We help individuals pursue federal pardons, Florida clemency, and the restoration of civil rights — with clear guidance, compassionate support, and experienced advocacy at every step.
A Path Forward, Carefully Built
Pardons, clemency, and restoration of civil rights are extraordinary remedies. They require persuasive narratives of rehabilitation, careful documentation, and an understanding of how decision-makers actually weigh applications. We bring all three to every petition we prepare.
Through The Office of the Pardon Attorney
Federal pardons are granted by the President of the United States on the recommendation of the Office of the Pardon Attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice. The petition is detailed, the standards are exacting, and the review is patient — but for the right candidate, a pardon can restore rights and signal definitively that a chapter is closed.
We prepare the petition as the persuasive document it must be: a complete and credible account of the offense, the sentence, the years since release, and the rehabilitation, contribution, and character that justify the relief sought.
- U.S. Department of Justice Petitions
- Office of the Pardon Attorney Filings
- Comprehensive Background Preparation
- Character & Rehabilitation Evidence
Before The Board of Executive Clemency
Florida clemency takes many forms — full pardon, pardon with or without firearm authority, commutation of sentence, remission of fines and forfeitures, and specific authority to own a firearm. Each is governed by the Rules of Executive Clemency and considered by the Governor and Cabinet sitting as the Board of Executive Clemency.
We identify the form of relief that fits your circumstances, build the supporting record, and present the application in the way the Board is most prepared to grant.
- Florida Clemency Applications
- Commutation of Sentence
- Pardon With or Without Firearms
- Specific Authority to Own a Firearm
Returning What Citizenship Means
Restoration of Civil Rights in Florida can return the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and the right to hold public office — three rights that lie at the heart of full citizenship. Eligibility, procedure, and effect have shifted with Florida law in recent years, and careful review is essential.
We assess your specific record, determine what restoration you may already have, what requires a formal application, and what additional steps — such as the payment of legal financial obligations — are necessary to complete the picture.
- Right to Vote
- Right to Serve on a Jury
- Right to Hold Public Office
- Restoration of Civil Rights
"A pardon is an act of grace, proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws."
— Chief Justice John Marshall, United States v. Wilson (1833)
Frequently Asked Questions
A federal pardon is granted by the President of the United States, on the recommendation of the Office of the Pardon Attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice, and applies only to federal convictions. Florida clemency is granted by the Florida Board of Executive Clemency — composed of the Governor and Cabinet — and applies only to Florida state convictions. Each process has its own eligibility rules, waiting periods, and procedures.
Generally, you must wait at least five years after completion of your sentence — including supervised release — before applying for a federal pardon. Eligibility also depends on the nature of the offense, your conduct since release, evidence of rehabilitation, and demonstrated need for the pardon. We help evaluate your eligibility and build the strongest possible petition.
Florida clemency takes several forms — full pardon, pardon without firearm authority, pardon with firearm authority, commutation of sentence, remission of fines and forfeitures, specific authority to own a firearm, and restoration of civil rights. Each is governed by the Rules of Executive Clemency and requires a tailored application strategy.
Restoration of Civil Rights in Florida can return your right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. Because Florida law has changed repeatedly in this area, careful review of your specific circumstances is essential — what is automatic for some applicants requires a formal application from others.
Federal pardon petitions and Florida clemency applications often take many months to several years to be fully reviewed and decided. The process is patient and exacting. We set realistic expectations at the outset and keep you informed at every stage.
A pardon is an act of forgiveness, not an erasure. It restores certain rights and removes specified disabilities, but the underlying conviction generally remains on your record unless a separate sealing or expunction is also pursued. We discuss the realistic effect of any relief before you commit to a path.
We start with a confidential review of your conviction history, sentence completion, post-release record, and personal circumstances. From there we identify the proper relief, build the supporting record — character references, employment and community involvement, evidence of rehabilitation — and prepare and file the petition.
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9990 SW 77th Avenue, Penthouse #3
Miami, FL 33156-2661 - 305-661-7000
- Fax 305-598-9088
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Voices of Our Clients
“Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.”
“I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.”
“I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.”
“Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.”
“Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.”
“Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.”
“Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!”
“Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.”
“After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.”
“Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.”
“One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.”
“A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.”
“Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.”
“Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.”
“An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.”
“A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.”
“This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
“Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.”
“The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.”
“Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.”
“I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.”
“I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.”
“Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.”
“Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.”
“Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.”
“Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!”
“Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.”
“After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.”
“Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.”
“One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.”
“A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.”
“Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.”
“Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.”
“An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.”
“A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.”
“This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
“Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.”
“The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.”