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Applicable Form of Executive Clemency: Commutation of Sentence

Eligibility: Any inmate may file an application for a commutation of sentence. The Kansas Department of Corrections will pay the costs of publication for clemency applications made by inmates lacking the financial resources to pay for them in accordance with KSA 22-3701. However, the State will not pay for more than one publication notice for any inmate during any 12-month period.

Application Process: An inmate must first fill out form 9 (the standard Kansas state prison inmate request form) to obtain permission to contact the Kansas Department of Corrections. Applications are available by contacting:

Attn: Clemency Clerk
Kansas Department of Corrections
Lansing Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 2
Lansing, KS 66043
Tel: (913) 727-3235 ext. 7365

Click here to view sample clemency forms.

Note: These forms are to be used as samples only. The petitioner must request that application materials be sent from the above address or obtain the materials through his or her Unit Team. Failure to use the forms of the Department of Corrections may result in rejection of the application.

The application package may be prepared by the inmate or, at the request of the inmate, by the inmate's Unit Team. Completed Application for Clemency, and related forms, must be returned to the above address.

Partial clemency application packages or related forms and materials should not be forwarded separately. All necessary forms and materials should be forwarded as a single, complete package.

The Kansas Parole Board issues a Notice of Clemency Application to the judge(s) of the district court and the county/district attorney(s) for the county(ies) in which the inmate was sentenced.

A Request for Publication form will be prepared, and distributed to the official county newspaper in the county of conviction to inform the public of the hearing date and time. The inmate will be responsible for the cost of publication unless he or she has completed a poverty affidavit that, upon acceptance, waives these costs. In the event that a poverty affidavit has been rejected, if the inmate elects to proceed with the clemency application the publication costs will be withdrawn from the inmate's account, if sufficient funds are available.

The Parole Board reviews pertinent records, reports, and other information. If a personal interview with the applicant is needed, the applicant will be notified. Following the review, the Parole Board submits its report to the Governor, who makes the ultimate decision in all clemency matters.

Note: There is a time table that is to be followed each month for making clemency applications. If you make a request to file for clemency, it is then your responsibility to return the requested information by the date given to you. Failure to do so delays your request for a clemency hearing and the ability of the office to complete the paperwork on time.

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