Commutation of a Sentence, Who’s Eligible, How to Do?

To apply, one must first notify the district attorney of each county (hopefully there is only one!) in which the applicant was convicted. The form to provide such notice and the application for executive clemency are available on the California Governor’s website. This notice to the DA must be sent at least ten days before applying to the Governor. There is an affidavit that the applicant must sign in the presence of a notary and have notarized. It is probably prudent to send this notice via registered or certified mail to ensure it is professionally delivered and given appropriate attention by the DA’s office.

The DA is then supposed to mail an acknowledgement of receipt to the Governor’s office.

The DA then usually notifies the victim(s) of the request for commutation of the sentence.

The application must then complete and mail a notarized application to the governor. The application is available at on the California’ governor’s website at www.gov.ca./wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Application_for_Executive_Clemency.pdf.

The address to mail it to is: Governor’s Office

The real question everyone wants answered, however, in calls that we have received wherein commutation of a sentence is discussed, is “Well, what are his chances?”

Our answer is never “it’s a slam dunk. Don’t worry. He’ll be out in two weeks. Plan the welcome home party now. Send out the invitations and book the band.”

Instead, we explain that in general, it is rare for the Governor to commute a sentence.

What will be considered? First and foremost is the severity of the conviction. This is given perhaps the most thought, which includes consideration of the injury and harm to the victims. The totality of the circumstances surrounding the offense is certainly evaluated, including the prisoner’s age at the time of the offense, any gang memberships, how much time has passed since the conviction, the prisoner’s conduct in jail or prison, any education the prisoner has undertaken while in jail or prison (including being a tutor for others or teaching a class), evidence of remorse for the offense, public opinion about the offense, the opinion of the DA and the victim about ending, shortening or changing the sentence (which usually includes an evaluation of community safety if the inmate is released) and whether the prisoner will have a job and a place to live upon release.

The applicant must disclose any fees paid to an attorney in helping with the application for commutation. The application is otherwise free.

If the Governor gives serious thought to the application, he will most likely refer the application to the Bureau of Parole Hearings (BOPH) to investigate and recommend how it believes the Governor should act. This investigation can include interviewing victims and witnesses, sometimes with the help of the local police to where the offense took place. The recommendation will often include a summary of the offense, often prepared by the prosecutor.

The Governor’s office may then request additional information from the applicant, depending upon what the BOPH reports and recommends.

If the applicant has more than one felony conviction, the Governor will refer the application to the California Supreme Court if the Governor is inclined to grant the application.

For more information about sentencing issues in general, please click on the following articles: