How do you write a commutation letter?

How do you write a commutation letter?

Dear Mr. President, Hello.My name is John Doe, and I am writing to you to respectfully request that you consider my petition for a commutation of my sentence. I was convicted of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute 13 years ago, and I am currently serving a sentence of life in prison.

How do you ask for a commutation?

To apply for a commutation for the first time or for the first time in three years:

1. Submit a completed Commutation Application (2 pages) to the Governor’s Office. …
2. Submit a completed Notice of Intent to Apply for Clemency (1 page) to the district attorney in the county of the conviction for your commitment offense; and.

Who may file a petition for commutation of sentence?

It is one form of clemency that can be granted to a person convicted of a crime. Other forms of clemency include a pardon and a reprieve. One of the main requirements to be considered for a commutation of sentence is that the person petitioning for a commutation is currently serving a prison sentence.

Who qualifies for commutation of sentence?

The Board may review the petition of a prisoner for commutation of sentence if the following minimum requirements are met: (a) At least one-third (1/3) of the definite or aggre- gate prison terms; (b) At least one-half (1/2) of the minimum of indeter- minate or aggregate minimum of the indeterminate prison term.

What is a commutation letter?

Commutation is a reduction or elimination of a sentence. Individuals who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply to the Governor for a commutation.

How do I write a letter requesting leniency in sentencing?

A letter requesting leniency should always address the judge as “Your Honor.” The letter should be truthful and express regret for the offense, unless the defendant is maintaining their innocence of the charges. It should note the defendant’s efforts to rehabilitate themselves in chronological order.

What are the steps of a commutation of sentence?

Commutation Instructions

• Submit the petition to the Office of the Pardon Attorney. …
• Federal convictions only. …
• Reduction of sentence only. …
• Completion of court challenges.
• A request for a commutation of a prison sentence generally is not accepted unless and until a person has begun serving that sentence.

What happens when a sentence is commuted?

To “commute a sentence” is the power to substitute a sentence imposed by the judiciary for a lesser sentence. In other words, it means the power to reduce or lessen a sentence resulting from a criminal conviction. For example, a ten-year sentence may be commuted to a five-year sentence.

Can a sentence be reduced?

The court can reduce the sentence without a hearing if the defense and prosecution agree. The defendants have the right to counsel in these resentencing proceedings. And at the hearing, there is a presumption in favor of the defendant getting his/her sentence modified.

How many days will be given to the court to resolve the petition for probation after receipt of PSIR?

Section 31. – The application for probation shall be resolved by the Trial Court not later than fifteen (15) days from the date of its receipt of the PSIR.

How do you use petition in a sentence?

She filed a petition for divorce. We ask you to hear our petition. Verb The organization petitioned the government to investigate the issue. All people had the right to petition the king for help.

Who are eligible for conditional pardon?

For Conditional Pardon, the prisoner shall have served at least one-half (1/2) of the minimum of his original indeterminate and/or definite sentence. However, in the case of a prisoner who is convicted of a heinous crime as defined in Republic Act No.

How do you prepare for a commutation?

To prepare for a commutation, mobilize support for your cause. You will need to show a tremendous outpouring of support for your release to convince your state governor (or the president, if you were convicted of a federal crime) to commute your sentence.

Can a governor overturn a parole?

The Governor’s Review of a Parole Decision The Governor may take no action and allow the decision to stand, reverse the decision (if the inmate was convicted of murder), or refer the decision to the full Board for review “en banc” and a vote at one of its monthly Executive Board meetings.

How do I write a letter on behalf of an inmate?

When you write a letter on behalf of a loved one, the heading should include the date, your name, address, phone number and email address. Skip down two lines and insert your subject line. If you are the inmate, your subject line should include your name, DOC number, and hearing date.

How do you write a good clemency letter?

So keep the main aim of the letter in mind as you write it. Explain carefully why you feel the person you are writing the letter for should be granted mercy. Plan your clemency letter before you write. Make a list of the reasons you believe the person deserves clemency.

What is the purpose of commutation?

In a commutation of sentence, a person is not absolved from a conviction completely, but, his/her punishment is substituted with a lesser punishment. For example, a death sentence may be commuted to a sentence of imprisonment for life[i].