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Applicable Form of Executive Clemency: Commutation
of Sentence
Eligibility: Before obtaining an application
for commutation in Minnesota, the applicant must show
that all other judicial remedies have been exhausted.
This means that the applicant must have appealed the
conviction or sentence, or petitioned for post-conviction
relief.
Commutations are not granted unless there is some
new information that the court did not consider or which
makes your case unusual or extraordinary. A commutation
will not be granted merely because a person is sorry
for the crime, dissatisfied with the actions of the
court or paroling authority, has adjusted well in confinement,
has made great academic or personal achievements or
alleges complete rehabilitation. These facts may be
persuasive if coupled with new information, but can
not stand alone as eligibility for commutation. Additionally,
the Board has never commuted a sentence that was imposed
pursuant to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines or valid
departure criteria.
Application Process: Application forms are
obtained upon request by contacting:
Administrative Coordinator
ATTN: Randy Hartnett
Minnesota Board of Pardons
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55108-5219
Tel: (651) 642-0284
TDD: (651) 643-3589
