Individuals who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply to the governor for a pardon.
Those granted pardons all completed their prison sentences years ago and the majority were convicted of drug-related or other nonviolent crimes. Pardons are not granted unless they are earned.
A gubernatorial pardon may be granted to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction.
The process includes eligible individuals obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation, which is an order from a superior court declaring that a person convicted of a crime is now rehabilitated.
Among those granted full and unconditional pardons this Thanksgiving is Adrian Irvin John.
The pardon document for John explains that he was sentenced in July 2001 in Lake County Superior Court for robbery with the use of a weapon.
John served three years, one month in prison, and three years on parole. He was discharged in October 2007 after having completed his sentence.
The Governor’s Office reported that John obtained from the Lake County Superior Court an order dated Aug. 2, 2016, “evidencing that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen.”
The document continues, “Indeed, Mr. John is active in his tribal community and coaches children’s sports teams. By granting the Certificate of Rehabilitation, the court has recommended that he be granted a full pardon.”
When a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant. The pardon is filed with the Secretary of State and the Legislature, and it is a public record.
Individuals currently serving a sentence for a conviction by the California courts can petition to have their sentence reduced by applying for a commutation.
In the majority of these commutations, the individuals have been granted the opportunity to make their case before the Board of Parole Hearings, which will determine whether they are ready to be paroled.
Copies of the gubernatorial pardons and commutations can be seen below; John’s pardon is on page 26. Additional information on pardons and commutations can be found here.
Pardons and CommutationsNov 21 2018 by LakeCoNews on Scribd