Governor Kathy Hochul granted clemency to 13 people this week, continuing what her office calls a more transparent and structured approach to the process.
The clemency actions, announced Dec. 30, include pardons for 11 individuals and sentence commutations for two others. Hochul has now issued 120 grants of clemency since taking office.
The governor said the individuals selected showed remorse, rehabilitation, and a commitment to improving their lives and communities. An advisory panel of independent experts reviewed applications and made recommendations before the final decisions.
Most of those receiving pardons were convicted decades ago and have lived crime-free lives for many years. State officials said the pardons will help ease ongoing consequences tied to old convictions, such as barriers to employment and housing…