Governor Kathy Hochul granted clemency in the form of a pardon to 13 individuals. This action recognizes individuals demonstrating remorse, exemplifying rehabilitation and displaying a commitment to improving themselves and their communities. After implementing procedural reforms to strengthen the clemency process, Governor Hochul has made a total of 107 grants of clemency during her time in office.
“When I took office, I pledged to reform the clemency process by bringing greater transparency and expert analysis to each case that comes before my desk,” Governor Hochul said. “After careful deliberation, I’m granting clemency to thirteen individuals who have demonstrated remorse for their actions and exemplify a commitment to bettering their communities.”
The Governor’s Office has taken a number of steps to improve transparency and communication in the clemency process. The Executive Clemency Bureau has implemented a new policy of sending regular letters to individuals with clemency applications, informing them of their case status, and providing information about how to submit supplemental information in support of their applications. The Governor’s Office also launched an updated online web hub to assist clemency applicants with the application process; this hub includes template clemency application forms for both pardons and commutations to provide prospective applicants with improved guidance about what information to include when they apply…