Gov. John Hickenlooper has granted pardons for 21 people who have served their prison sentences. He has also commuted the sentences of 12 other people, making three eligible for parole and advancing the eligibility date for the parole of the nine others. His office made the announcement Friday. The published letter can be found on the governor's website.
"Hundreds of applications for clemency have come through our office. We have selected only those where the individual has a proven track record of rehabilitation," Hickenlooper said in the statement. “Those granted clemency today have shown they deserve a second chance and have the support system to help them succeed.”
Hickenlooper began granting pardons in the last year, including his first commutations just last week. Pardons wipe out someone’s criminal conviction and record, making them eligible to purchase firearms again. A commutation means the person is eligible for a shorter sentence, but they will still have a criminal record.
The governor’s office says Hickenlooper has received more than 500 applications for clemency in the past eight years. The application first goes to the state’s clemency board, which makes recommendations to the governor’s office.
