Step 1: Requesting an application from Governor's office.
You may call the Governor's Office at (360) 902-4111 and ask for Melynda Campbell, the Governor's Legal Affairs Coordinator for a copy of the Petition A. It can also be downloaded here (.pdf format) or here (for MS Word .doc format)
Step 2: Completing the "Petition A"
Step 3: Submit the completed Petition A. You will need to include:
Completed, signed original Petition A
Signed and completed Waiver
Judgment and Sentence for each crime you are seeking a pardon for
Awards, certificates
Letters of Support
Now, make 2 copies of this entire package. Then, include the original (for a total of 3 copies) and mail to:
Chair, Clemency and Pardons Board
c/o Terri Gottberg
Office of the Attorney General
PO Box 40116
Step 4: Wait for a response from the Clemency and Pardons Board
Each year, Olympia receives between 120 and 160 requests for petitions for pardon or clemency. A review committee screens each petition. The board usually agrees to hear about eight cases at each of its public meetings, held 4 times a year.
If the panel approves, then prosecutors involved in the case are contacted to obtain records, recommendations and, most importantly, to notify the victims and get their input.
Step 5: The Hearing
Click here for information about what happens at the actual hearing.
Step 6: Governor's decision
If the Board has voted to recommend that the Governor grant the pardon, the Petiton A, a transcript of the hearing, and the Board's recommendation is sent to the Governor's desk for consideration.
The Goveror is not bound by any time frame or even to follow the Board's recommendation. When the Governor does make a decision, you will be notified directly.
Again, we must reiterate that the Governor only grants pardons in extraordinary cases and this is not a routine matter.
Step 7: Immigration issues
With a successful pardon, the basis for your removal is now gone. You will need to seek further assistance in dealing with ICE and also applying to become a U.S. citizen.