People who have been convicted of a crime and are currently serving their sentence in California may apply for a commutation (reduction of sentence). In deciding whether to grant a commutation, the Governor’s Office will carefully review each commutation application and consider: • the impact of a commutation on the community, including whether the grant is consistent with public safety and in the interests of justice; • the age and circumstances of the offense and the sentence imposed, and the age of the applicant at the time; … [Read more...] about People who have been convicted of a crime may apply for a commutation
commutation
Applying for a Governor’s pardon in California
Two distinct processes available to California prisoners From theGovernor's Office: People who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply for a gubernatorial (Governor’s) pardon. The Governor of California cannot grant a pardon for a conviction from another state or a federal proceeding. There are two ways to ap- ply for a pardon in California: a Certificate of Rehabilitation and a Direct Pardon. Pardon Application by Certificate of Rehabilitation: One way to apply for a pardon is to first petition for and obtain a … [Read more...] about Applying for a Governor’s pardon in California
Commutation granted to John Vaden
After serving 15 years of a 19-year-to-life term for second-degree murder, John Vaden received an exceptionally rare commutation from California Gov. Jerry Brown. In reaching his decision in April, the governor wrote, “Mr. Vaden’s crime has profoundly impacted (his victim’s family members), several of whom wrote to me to oppose clemency and express their enduring pain… “Nevertheless, after carefully weighing this matter, I have concluded that Mr. Vaden has earned the chance to make his case before the Board of Parole Hearings so they can … [Read more...] about Commutation granted to John Vaden