If someone requests a presidential pardon, then they have, by default, admitted to committing a federal crime whether charged or not. I wish everyone understood this simple truth.
Of course. One does not need a pardon if one has committed no crime.
@XaoslordErie @SSNBubblehead --Consider those who were wrongly convicted of a felony due to lack of DNA technology at the time of their conviction. Many states won't over-turn convictions even if the DNA evidence is compelling. Some states actively seek to suppress this information for those seeking a new trial.
@SSNBubblehead --There have been many people who were wrongly convicted who have been offered a pardon and refused for the exact reason you mention.
Accepting a pardon does not require an admission of wrongdoing. (Burdick was 1915, but the 10th Circuit in 2021 stated it does not mean one admits to guilt, as pardons are also used to right clear wrongs - like unjust convictions, and convictions of people who did a legal wrong but a moral right - like a DV victim killing her abuser).
Having said all that, this crew? Absofuckinglutely. They'll accept the pardons but never admit to anything.
@SSNBubblehead: IKR