Can a baptized Protestant (but not confirmed as Catholic) receive absolution from a Catholic priest?

Let'say I was baptized in a Protestant church (for example, Presbyterian) that is in the list of churches whose baptism is recognized by the Catholic church (such as [this list](https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/15206/documents/2017/4/Valid%20Baptisms%20Reference%20List.pdf)) . But let's say I'm increasingly desirous to be Catholic and through self study came to believe all the doctrines of the Catholic church. **Main question:** Can I go to the sacrament of reconciliation to confess my mortal sins and receive absolution before being confirmed? *Related questions*: 1. How about if my status changes to be a catechumen (through the RCIA program) but not yet confirmed until next Easter. Does it make a difference? 1. If the two situations are different, what is the explanation? 1. Is the answer up to a particular bishop's discretion / policy, or is it governed in global Canon Law?