Blog: Pardons & Clemency

According to Monique Garcia of the Tribune, “The earliest offense dates to 1960, the latest was committed in 2004. Most of those who received pardons were initially sentenced to probation or paid small fines.”

Many people think pardons are only for people who are still incarcerated, convicted of heinous offenses. This misconception has given the pardon a bad name. Quite the contrary: many people in need of a pardon were never in prison and do not have a long history of arrests. Instead, they are people who committed a stupid mistake many years ago (like selling drugs in college) and have since led a normal life and contribute to society by working, volunteering in the community, and being a role model to their children.

It’s unfortunate that so many people think a pardon is a bad act of the Governor.

Those who I seek pardons for live normal lives. Just because of a stupid mistake in their youth, they continue to be punished.

The pardon gives forgiveness where forgiveness is earned, not deserved.

For those who are counting, Governor Quinn’s tally is as follows:
1,195: clemency/pardon petitions since taking office
467: granted (456 pardons, 10 previously pardoned he’s authorized to also be expunged, 1 commutation (early release) from prison)
728: denied

* I strongly advise you not to get caught up on the “chances” or “percentage” — each case is a case-by-case basis. Your pardon “chances” are only as good as your petition. You cannot compare your case to anyone else’s or to the numbers. You don’t know how many of the people denied committed heinous offenses. You don’t know the reasons for every case. If your only option is a Governor’s pardon, why focus on the numbers? Get in line and make your case…or, be a convicted felon for life…it’s your choice.