Conditional Pardons
A conditional pardon is an act by the Governor to modify or end a sentence
imposed by the court. It is available only to
people who are currently incarcerated. The Governor only grants
a conditional pardon when there is substantial evidence of extraordinary circumstances
to warrant it; such a pardon is not regarded as a substitute judgment
for that of the convicting court.
Another form of conditional clemency is a Medical Pardon or Medical
Furlough. The inmate must meet the criteria of being terminally
ill, with a life expectancy of three months or less. Because of this shortened
time frame, medical pardons are handled via an expedited process.
Requirements
To petition for a conditional pardon, including medical pardon, the inmate,
inmate’s
family member, or attorney must provide the following information in a letter
addressed to the governor:
- full name and any
previous names and aliases;
- inmate number;
- location(s) of incarceration;
- Social Security number;
- date of birth;
- mailing address;
- dates, courts,
sentences or other dispositions of all misdemeanor and felony convictions;
- date of parole eligibility;
- date of mandatory release;
- a complete statement
of details for each conviction; and
- an explanation of why the Governor should
grant a pardon.
Please note: This letter serves as your official petition; there is
no official form you need to fill out.
You should provide all the relevant information you wish
to have considered. Please
note that the petition process does not include any hearing, meeting or conference
with the petitioner or persons on the petitioner’s behalf.
Conditional pardon petitions are processed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth Office. If
the office finds a petition has merit, it will conduct a thorough investigation. Except
for those dealing with medical pardons, these investigations may take at least a year to complete.
If a petition is denied, another cannot be filed for two years after the date
of the denial.
Should you have any questions concerning the procedure for petitioning for
a conditional pardon, please contact Jennifer Crown at the contact information
provided below.
Please direct all questions to:
Jennifer Crown, Clemency Specialist
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
Post Office Box 2454
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2454
(804)692-2542
or use our Inquiry Form
