USLegal Pamphlet on Pardons or Clemency

Clemency is a general term for reducing the penalties for a particular crime without actually clearing your criminal record.A pardon is meant to indicate forgiveness of a particular crime, either because a person was wrongfully convicted or the punishment was not appropriate for the crime committed.

As with any letter, you want to make sure that you address the letter properly, with a date, then the address of the president or governor, and then a subject line with something like Letter of your name in Support of His Petition for Commutation of Sentence/Pardon. Greeting. Again, as with any letter, Dear Mr.

Pardon letter to the governor. In such a letter, you need to state the date of conviction, describe the nature of the crime and the conviction itself, again, state the reason why you think you should be pardoned.

A federal pardon can be issued prior to the start of a legal case or inquiry, prior to any indictments being issued, for unspecified offenses, and prior to or after a conviction for a federal crime.

If you want to request a presidential pardon you must submit your application to the Office of the Pardon Attorney. Whenever the Office of the Pardon Attorney receives a presidential pardon application, the Office reviews, investigates, and prepares a recommendation about the application.

Clemency under the criminal justice system is the act by an executive member of the government of extending mercy to a convicted individual. In the United States, clemency is granted by a governor for state crimes and by the presidential pardon power to people convicted of violating federal law.

State clearly and succinctly that you are writing to support the person's application for a pardon. You also should indicate that you have knowledge and understanding of the criminal conviction for which the person is seeking a pardon.

A waiver of any portion of the waiting period is rarely granted and then only in the most exceptional circumstances. In order to request a waiver, you must complete the pardon application form and submit it with a letter explaining why you believe the waiting period should be waived in your case.

Submit a completed Pardon Application (2 pages) to the Governor's Office. Submit a completed Notice of Intent to Apply for Clemency (1 page) to the district attorney(s) in the county or counties of the conviction(s) for the offense(s) for which you are requesting a pardon.