Executive clemency

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Crime & Traffic

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Executive clemency

Executive clemency is a process in which a person asks the governor to forgive or reduce the consequences of a criminal conviction. This can include a pardon, which forgives the conviction, or a commutation, which reduces a sentence. Clemency does not erase the conviction automatically, but a pardon may allow someone to later ask a court to expunge their record.

Executive clemency basics
Learn how executive clemency works in Illinois, including commutations, pardons, expungement options, and how clemency requests are decided.
Guide
Applying for executive clemency
Steps to file a petition with the Prison Review Board from how to write the petition to how your hearing will work.
How-To
Writing an executive clemency petition
Learn about what you need to include in a clemency petition, how to organize it, and what documents can help when asking the governor for relief.
Text article
Petition for executive clemency
Use the form to ask for executive clemency from the Illinois Governor.
Form link
Executive clemency
Answers to common questions about executive clemency, including who can apply, how the process works, and what the different types of clemency mean.
FAQ