How do you file a commutation sentence?
In federal cases, the first step in the process is for the person seeking a commutation to submit an application, or petition, for commutation of sentence. The application can be found online by going to clemency.com. The petition must be sent to the United States Office of the Pardon Attorney.
How do you write a commutation letter?
Introduce yourself in your letter and explain your case. Then discuss the efforts you’ve made towards rehabilitation and the reasons you believe you should be granted a commutation of your sentence. You might also include information about the plans you have to support and improve your community once you get out.
Who may file a petition for commutation of sentence?
The Board may review the petition of a prisoner for commutation of sentence if the following minimum requirements are met: (a) At least one-third (1/3) of the definite or aggre- gate prison terms; (b) At least one-half (1/2) of the minimum of indeter- minate or aggregate minimum of the indeterminate prison term.
How long does it take to get commutation?
On average, a commutation application will take six (6) months to process. If an application is incomplete, an inmate or the attorney, if retained, will be notified and the application will not move forward until the incomplete information is provided to the Pardon and Parole Board.
What is a commutation petition?
Inmates currently serving a jail or prison sentence in California can petition to have the governor commute their sentence. A commutation is a type of executive clemency that does not change or reverse a finding of guilt. But it reduces or eliminates a prisoner’s sentence.
Who grants a commutation?
California Constitution Article V, Section 8(a): “Subject to application procedures provided by statute, the Governor, on conditions the Governor deems proper, may grant a reprieve, pardon, and commutation, after sentence, except in case of impeachment.
What is a sentence for commutation?
Commutation is a form of clemency that reduces the punishment for a crime. It usually takes the form of a reduced (“commuted”) prison term, but can also reduce court-ordered fines.
Who has the power to commute a sentence?
the President
Commutation is part of the pardoning power, so the person (or board) with the pardoning power usually also exercises the power to commute sentences. Only the President may commute federal sentences; in most states, only the governor can commute a sentence.
What is an example of commutation?
commutation, in law, shortening of a term of punishment or lowering of the level of punishment. For example, a 10-year jail sentence may be commuted to 5 years, or a sentence of death may be commuted to life in prison.
What happens when your sentence is commuted?
What is the difference between pardon and commute?
As nouns the difference between pardon and commute is that pardon is forgiveness for an offence while commute is a regular journey to or from a place of employment, such as work or school.
How to use “commutation” in a sentence?
Reid is the first person to qualify for such a commutation.
What is clemency in prison?
Clemency Law and Legal Definition. Clemency may be a pardon, shortening of a prison sentence, commutation of a sentence, or a reprieve. Clemency may be granted by each state’s governor and the President of the United States, and may be based upon mercy or other considerations that put a prisoner’s guilt in doubt.