How to Apply for Clemency

Hundreds of people are sentenced to prison every day, and many of the offenses are mistakes made by young people. No matter how young you were when you committed your offense, a felony conviction and prison term can follow you your whole life. If there are extraordinary circumstances, you can apply for clemency to be released from you sentence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Pardon forms

1. Contact a pardon attorney. A pardon attorney can assist you in securing the proper forms for a clemency application. You may also get a petition for the commutation of your sentence from the warden of any federal prisons.
2. Complete the clemency petition. Make sure to include all circumstances of the offense you were convicted of. If you used your time in prison to complete your education of learn new job skills, make sure you make note of this on your petition. Also make note of any family circumstances that may have changed. Example to include are deteriorating health status or the birth of a child. If you have embarked on a new, successful career, this is also something to note on your application.
3. Address all petitions for federal clemency to the President of the United States. Petitions and forms should be sent to the Pardon Attorney, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 20530

Tips & Warnings

• Applications for clemency can not be made until 5 years after your release from prison.
• You may not be eligible for clemency if there are still judicial or administrative avenues that you have not pursued.
• Your victim will be notified of your clemency application. In most cases, they are given the opportunity to comment on your petition.
• All decisions will be mailed to you or to your lawyer.