The application is the first thing that members of the Pardons Board reviews, even before deciding to grant you a hearing. Therefore, it is very important that the petition is completed as best as you can.
There is limited space provided in the lines of the actual application itself, but you can download the Petition A in MS Word format here. Now, let's get started. We will go over the entire petition below, with the explanations in italics where needed. If a question does not pertain to you, just state "N/A" for not applicable.
This first section is fairly basic, but allows the Board and third parties to gather additional information about your background
PETITION A
DATE OF APPLICATION:
NAME: SS NUMBER: (your social security number. This information will remain confidential)
ADDRESS (Please include all addresses resided at during the past five years):
DATE OF BIRTH: PHONE NUMBER:
OTHER NAMES (past, maiden, etc.): (other legal names you have used)
INSTITUTION NUMBER: (assigned to you by the Dept. of Corrections)
INS ID Number (Deportation cases only): (assigned by Homeland Security if you are in deportation)
DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER:
OTHER STATES IN WHICH YOU HAVE HELD DRIVER'S LICENSES:
RELIEF REQUESTED: (the option of Pardon is already checked for you)
REASON FOR DESIRING RELIEF: (most likely, you are requesting a pardon because it is the only thing that can prevent you from being deported. State that fact here and any personal motivations. i.e. "I am requesting a pardon so that I will not be deported to a foreign land I have never lived in and so I can stay with my family."
OFFENSE(S) COMMITTED: A copy of the JUDGMENT AND SENTENCE for each offense for which you desire relief is REQUIRED before the Board will review your petition. PLEASE ATTACH A COPY TO THIS PETITION.)
(Summarize the offenses you committed, then attach a copy of the Judgment and Sentence for EACH offense. If you no longer have a copy of your Judgment and Sentence, you may obtain a copy via a Public Records Request to the prosecutor's office where you were orignally charged with the crime. Click here to find out how to do this)COUNTY/CITY IN WHICH OFFENSE(S) COMMITTED:
DATE OFFENSE(S) COMMITTED:
SENTENCE IMPOSED:
RESTITUTION/COSTS IMPOSED:
STATE THE REASON THE GOVERNOR SHOULD GRANT RELIEF REQUESTED: (This is one of the most important answers the Board looks at in considering your petition. The facts of each petition will be different, but here are some of the common reasons why the Governor should grant you a pardon. Keep in mind that a pardon is reserved only for "Extraordinary circumstances")
Reliance on the law at the time you pled guilty in order to receive a reduced charge or sentence.
Unfairness of retroactive immigration law that suddenly made a crime deportable when it wasn't when you pleaded guilty
You have rehabilitated since commission of that crime X years ago. List all your outstanding accomplishments since then; include church activities, coaching, mentoring, staying out of trouble with the law, etc.
Your successful career
Family and community ties. It would cause an extreme hardship on your family and the community if you were deported.
Risk of harm if deported to Native country, especially those with records of human rights abuse.
Full and total assimilation to American Society. You may not speak the language where you are to be deported.
Crime was commited a X years ago when you were only X years old and you are now a truly different person.
Be sure to emphasize that each of these reasons are extraordinary circumstances and explain why.
PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY: (Provide a list of prior convictions or arrests, including traffic citations.) (The Board will look more favorably on cases in which there is not an extensive prior crimnal history. If there is, then it is helpful that there are no new crimes for a long period of time.)
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO DEMONSTRATE YOUR REHABILITATION: (For example, list employment/education history; if restitution was ordered, has restitution been made?) (If you have answered some of this question already, it is ok to repeat it here. This is also an important question, as the Board wants to see that you have truly rehabilitated. Take responsibility for the crime! Admit that you committed a wrong and then proceed to list the things you've done. They offer some examples, so be sure to include:
Education. Have you gone on to get your GED, AA, BA or other degree?
Awards, certificates of achievement, etc.
Steady employment, good work history
No criminal activity since original crime
Paid restitution in full
Community Service, Volunteer activities
Responsible parent or child
No longer are associated with any gang members
Alcoholics Anonymous member, quit drugs, etc
WERE YOU REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL FOR THE OFFENSE(S)?
NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF COUNSEL:
TRIAL OR PLEA?
DID YOU APPEAL CONVICTION?
(If so, results? Provide copy or cite appellate court decision(s)
WAS A WEAPON USED DURING COMMISSION OF THE CRIME? (If yes, provide details.) (some of the Board members are concerned with this aspect, as it may be considered more violent. Here is your opportunity to explain in further detail.)
WERE YOU UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL AT THE TIME OF THE OFFENSE? (If yes, provide details.)
(this question goes to your state of mind at the time of the crime. Keep in mind answering yes does not absolve you of the crime at all; it is best to admit how stupid you were at the time and take responsibility for your actions.
WAS THE OFFENSE COMMITTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING OR PREVENTING ARREST OR ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY OF A PUBLIC OFFICER? (If yes, ADMIT the crime and repeat how stupid your actions were; this may have been committed 10-15 years ago in your youth.)
DID THE OFFENSE INVOLVE MINORS? (If yes, provide details.) (Crimes against minors are viewed as more heinous. If you are able, get a statement from the victim saying that he/she forgives you for the crime. This is a very powerful thing to show the Board that even the victim forgives you.)
IF THE OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED AGAINST A PERSON, PLEASE ANSWER
THE FOLLOWING:
1. Was the victim known to you?
2. If yes, relationship?
3. Was the victim injured?
4. Age of victim at time of offense:
5. More than one victim? If yes, how many?
6. Was restitution ordered? If yes, how much, and has it been paid?
IF THE OFFENSE INVOLVED TAKING OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY,
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
1. Value of property involved?
2. Description of property?
3. Property returned? Restitution made to owner?
4. Was restitution ordered? If yes, how much, and has it been paid?
HAVE YOU FILED OTHER PETITIONS FOR RELIEF WITH THE GOVERNOR'S
OFFICE? (If so, provide the date, status, or disposition.)
CURRENT STATUS:
1. Date released:
2. On parole?
3. On probation?
Ever revoked?
Ever revoked?
(Answer questions 4 - 10 if currently incarcerated.)
4. If incarcerated, present status:
5. Anticipated release date:
6. Place of release:
7. Level of custody in the institution:
8. Classification in the institution:
9. Have you lost good time or been subject to disciplinary action while incarcerated?
10. If yes, identify the nature, circumstances, and outcome.
PRESENT EMPLOYMENT:
IF APPLICABLE, DO YOU HAVE EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE UPON
DISCHARGE? (If yes, where?)
LIST OF ALL PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT (ADDRESSES AND JOB TITLES) OVER
THE PAST FIVE YEARS:
(This section is very important. It shows that you have community support and the community would be adversely impacted if you were to be deported. You list of references can be in the form of a petition, signed by your supporters and should include their name, address and signature.)
LIST OF REFERENCES:
ATTACH LETTERS OF REFERENCE OR STATEMENTS FROM OTHERS WHO CAN VOUCH FOR YOUR GOOD CONDUCT. (These statements should describe association with you, length of time that person has known you, etc.)
(DO NOT submit an application without at least several letters of support. This requires you to think of all the people you know and ask them to help you.)
The Board does actually read each and every one of the letters that are submitted.
Letters should not be cookie cutter and generic. You want each letter from each person to state how they know you, for how long, and why they support you.
The reasons for support could be because you've taken care of their children so well, you have helped them in a time of need, you are involved in some community group with them, etc.
The point is to be sure that all the letters are PERSONAL.
If possible, get letters from community leaders, elected officials, law enforcement, etc.
Have them provide the letters to you to include in the Petition A, or if letters come after you have sumbitted your petition, then they can be mailed to:
Chair, Clemency and Pardons Board
c/o Terri Gottberg
Office of the Attorney General
PO Box 40116
NEXT, Sign and date the application
BE SURE TO COMPLETE THE WAIVER. get it here.
CONGRATULATIONS. YOU ARE DONE WITH THE PETITION A.