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Connecticut

Applicable Form of Executive Clemency: Commutation of Sentence

Eligibility: Any inmate petitioner serving a minimum of eight years or more may apply to the Board of Pardons only after 4 years of his/her minimum sentence have been served.

Any inmate petitioner serving a minimum sentence of less than eight years may apply to the Board only after serving not less than half of his/her minimum sentence.

A petitioner may not apply to the Board before serving 18 months of his/her minimum sentence.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements for pardons and parole, please visit the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Application Process: All proceedings for the granting of commutations of punishment must be instituted by a petition containing:

· The name of the petitioner
· The age of the petitioner
· A statement of the crime or crimes for which convicted
· When and where the crime(s) was committed
· When sentenced and for how long
· What commutation has been earned by good behavior
· Whether it is a first imprisonment
· Whether prior applications for release have been made
· Special claims for consideration

Petitions and one copy should be sent to:

Prison Records Center
Central Records
1151 East Street South
Suffield, CT 06078

Petitions must be filed in March or September at least 30 days before the Board of Pardon's Executive Session in April (for petitions to be heard in May) or October (for petitions to be heard in November). An earlier date may be set by the Prison Records Center.

Each Board member must receive, from the Record Center, a full packet of any case to be considered for hearings 30 days prior to the first Monday in April and October of each year. The Board will meet on the first Monday in April and October to review all cases and to determine which cases merit a hearing. The affirmative vote of three members of the Board of Pardons is necessary to grant a full hearing. If a petition does not receive the vote of three members, the petitioner is denied hearing, and can not re-petition for 12 months.

General

The Board may take action in any case on its own motion.

Petitioners have the right to appear in person before the Board at any hearing upon the petition. No inmate is permitted to appear before the Board to advocate the petition of another inmate.

The personal solicitation of, or private discussion of cases with, members of the Board is not permitted.

A quorum consists of four members of the Board present and voting. The affirmative vote of four members of the Board is required to grant any relief.

In the absence of a regular member of the Board, the Secretary of the Board will serve as an alternate for said member and will vote in his/her place.

Every effort has been made to make this information accurate and up-to-date. Errors are inevitable and changes occur frequently. We would appreciate learning of any errors or inaccuracies regarding any information on this Webpage as soon as possible. Please write to info@cjpf.org

Last updated 01.24.07