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Minnesota

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

The following forms are for sample purposes only. Failure to use forms originating from the Minnesota Board of Pardons may lead to a rejection of the application.
Application for Pardon Extraordinary
Application for Pardon/Commutation
Form for Exhausted Remedies

Completed forms should be submitted to the same address.

You must submit the Application for Commutation which includes information about the offense for which you are seeking commutation, the pursuant trial and sentencing, information about other convictions, and your reasons for seeking commutation. The application must be signed in the presence of a notary.

You must submit to the Board of Pardons proof of application for appeal of conviction, appeal of sentence, and post-conviction relief. A form for submitting the relevant information is included in the application packet.

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: 01.14.07