Criminals Seek Pardons from the President

President George W. Bush will be leaving office in January 2009, and as all presidents before him, he has the opportunity to grant presidential pardons to individuals who have been convicted of crimes. He can also grant commutations of sentences (such as the death penalty) before he leaves office. Individuals who have been convicted of corruption and fraud are among those seeking pardons. 

A president can grant a pardon or commutation at any time during his or her term of office, but the topic usually becomes more urgent in the waning days of an administration. 

Very Few Pardon/Commutations Are Granted

According to U.S. Justice Department, 103 convicted felons applied for a pardon and 280 applied for a commutation in November alone. During the Bush administration to date, 2,064 pardon applications were received — the president has granted 157 — and 7,707 commutation requests were made; only six were granted. 

Famous and Not-So-Famous Convicts

Among the thousands of individuals who are seeking President Bush's beneficence are: 

• former U.S. Congressman Rep. Randy Cunningham, R-Calif., convicted of accepting bribes
• four-term Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards, convicted of public corruption
• Michael Milken, the "junk bond king" convicted of securities-related felonies 

However, the vast majority of people seeking commutation (shortening of their sentence) or a pardon (an official statement of "forgiveness") are not well-known individuals. They're simply seeking the president's clemency so that they can resume their normal lives. 

The Pardon/Commutation Process

The process for getting a pardon or commutation begins in the Justice Department's Office of the Pardon Attorney. The petitioner's case is reviewed by the FBI, and prosecutors contribute their opinion regarding the appropriateness of a pardon/commutation. A petition may then move up to through the Justice Department and then to the White House counsel's office, and on to the President. 

(Source: UPI) 

If you're seeking clemency or need other help with your case, contact us to speak with a criminal law attorney today.