Delaware Hello, 11 1/2 years ago I was charged and convicted with a "Class B misdemeanor possession non-narcotic schedule B phencyclidine PCP" (This is how it is stated on the court docket). 1 1/2 years ago I received an unconditional pardon. I used an attorney, who is a former attorney general for the State of Delaware, to expedite the process. He stated to me that I'm technically supposed to reveal this information (the conviction and pardon) on a job application, but I shouldn't because any company doing a background check will not be able to see the conviction. Is this true? I do not want to be dishonest, but I feel I have no other recourse. I have two graduate level degrees and have never been denied financial aid as a result of the conviction. I have not been in trouble since the conviction (I was 18 when it occurred). I would like to make good use of my education; however, I'm afraid the conviction will continue to haunt me even though I made every effort possible to correct my past actions. Delaware code states:
§ 4364. Effect of pardon; restoration of civil rights.
Except as otherwise provided by the Delaware Constitution, or expressly by any provision of the Delaware Code or any court rule, the granting of an unconditional pardon by the Governor shall have the effect of fully restoring all civil rights to the person pardoned. Such civil rights include, but are not limited to, the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury if selected, the right to purchase or possess deadly weapons and the right to seek and hold public office provided however, that this section shall not limit or affect the Governor's authority to place lawful conditions upon the granting of a pardon. (74 Del. Laws, c. 156, § 1.)
I'm unsure whether "fully restoring all civil rights" means that employers are unable to see the conviction after the pardon. After reading several posts contained within this forum, I'm now under the impression that a pardon really has no effect at all! If this is the case, I feel I may have to leave the country in order to obtain employment.
Any insights? Sorry this is so wordy.

