About the Board of Pardons

The Board's role is to hear petitions during public meetings for pardons or sentence commutations.

During each hearing, the Board deliberates to decide whether each pardon or commutation is denied or is recommended to be submitted to the Governor for further consideration. The Governor cannot grant a pardon or commutation in the absence of a recommendation from the Board. However, the Governor is not bound to accept the recommendation of the Board, but exercises an independent judgment in all cases.

Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Application forms must be downloaded from this website, as packets will no longer be mailed out. Each application must be filled in online (not handwritten) and then printed for submission. If an application is submitted in a different format, it will be returned to the applicant for submission on the new application form. Please note that any applications submitted in handwritten form will significantly delay processing time.

NOTE:  Hearings before the Board of Pardons are scheduled on a space available basis. Requesting a specific meeting date does not guarantee a hearing at that time. You will be notified by mail the beginning of the month in which you are scheduled. We are currently accepting applications for these meetings.