The power to grant an Executive Clemency pardon is vested in the Governor. If a pardon is granted, it is set aside. The pardon restores good faith in the individual and relieves them from further punishment. Pardons may be either full and unconditional, or conditional. The Governor may impose conditions on a pardon as he or she deems necessary. A pardon is not necessary to restore civil rights as they are restored upon the unconditional discharge for an offense. A pardon may help a person to attain better employment, a certain occupational licensing or relief from the social stigma of a criminal record.
In Alaska, criminal convictions may be set aside if the court suspends imposition of a sentence. The individual is placed on probation and must complete and be discharged from probation first. After completion of probation, the charge will remain on the record, but the disposition of the sentence changes to conviction set aside. To be eligible for a pardon you have to wait 2 years after completion of sentence, however you must wait 10 years to have the right to possess a firearm.