executive clemency n. the power of a President in federal criminal cases, and the Governor in state convictions, to pardon a person convicted of a crime, commute the sentence (shorten it, often to time already served), or reduce it from death to another lesser sentence. There are many reasons for exercising this power, including real doubts about the guilt of the party, apparent excessive sentence, humanitarian concerns such as illness of an aged inmate, to clear the record of someone who has demonstrated rehabilitation or public service, or because the party is a political or personal friend of the Governor.

Thus, if you or anyone you know is in need of a pardon, here are the 2012 – 2013 dates and resources to help you with this process.

2012-2013 Clemency Hearing Dates and Deadlines: April 9-11, 2013 (Hearing Dates)

Deadline for petition: January 24, 2013 by 5 pm

**Dates of hearings are subject to change or be extended.

Email: clemency.prb@illinois.gov

Need Legal assistance to complete the petition? Call Cabrini Green Legal Clinic 312-738-2452

Note: Thanks to the staff of Alderman Howard Brookins office for sharing this information

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