Back in 1988, Wahlberg, aged 16, was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He assaulted a man while trying to steal two cases of alcohol and then punched another man in the face as he attempted to avoid the police, reported CNN.
He was arrested, sentenced and tried as an adult, and served 45 days in prison.
Today, at 43, the actor said he is a much different person but says he is still legally affected by his convictions.
In a petition submitted Monday he asked for pardon.
“I am deeply sorry for the actions that I took on the night of April 8, 1988, as well as for any lasting damage I may have caused the victims. Since that time, I have dedicated myself to becoming a better person and citizen so that I can be a role model to my children and others,” he wrote in the petition.
Wahlberg said his record ‘can potentially be the bases to deny me a concessionaire’s license in California and elsewhere’, something important to him because of his interest in Wahlburgers, a restaurant he hopes to expand.
He added, “given my prior record, Massachusetts and California law prohibit me from actually obtaining positions in law enforcement,” which he said prevents him from becoming ‘more active in law enforcement activities’.
Wahlberg said his reasons for asking for a pardon go beyond just having certain legal rights smoothed out.
“The more complex answer is that receiving a pardon would be a formal recognition that I am not the same person that I was the night of April 8, 1988. It would be formal recognition that someone like me can receive official public redemption if he devotes himself to personal improvement and a life of good works,” he said.
Wahlberg’s case will be reviewed by the parole board, which will pass its recommendation to Gov Deval Patrick, who will make the final decision pending approval by the eight-person Governor’s Council.
PTI