[thefactor]

Can you pardon an indictment or would he have to wait for conviction? This is going to be a very divisive issue.

[DoodleDawg]

Can you pardon an indictment or would he have to wait for conviction?

Richard Nixon was pardoned even before an indictment.

This is going to be a very divisive issue.

Ya think?

[Joe 6-pack]

"Can you pardon an indictment or would he have to wait for conviction?"

Generally pardons are plenary powers, but individual state constitutions may vary. Typically, there is no need for a conviction (or even indictment) for a pardon to be issued. It's generally accepted that pardons can be issued any time after the commission (or alleged commission) of a crime, but can't be granted in advance.