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Pennsylvania

Applicable form of Executive Clemency: Commutation of Sentence

Eligibility: All inmates are eligible to apply.

Application Process: Applications are available by contacting:

Pennsylvania Board of Pardons
333 Market Street, 15th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Tel: (717) 787-2596
Fax: (717) 772-3135

Click here to preview the application. This form is for use as a sample only. Forms must be requested from the above address. Failure to request forms from the Board may lead to rejection of the application. For information on how to request an application click here.

The original application and ten photocopies (not less than 8½" x 11") must be submitted by the applicant or by the person who will represent the applicant before the Board of Pardons. Six photocopies of all supporting documents must also be included. All questions must be answered in the applicant's own words and the applicant must personally sign and date where indicated. If the office of the Board of Pardons has questions regarding the completed application, the person named as representative will be contacted.

There is a filing fee of $20.00 payable by cashier's or certified check, money order, law firm check or institution check made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Filing fees are not refundable. The Board may waive the filing fee upon proof of indigence. The official form to proceed without payment of the fee can be obtained from the Secretary of the Board of Pardons and filed in place of the fee. Contact information for the Secretary appears below.

Because applications and supporting documents must be available for quick review and photocopying, permanently bound applications will be rejected. Do not use three-ring binders. An application and supporting detail may be stapled, clipped or clamped together in a temporary fashion.

An application may be rejected for failing to answer any questions that apply to the case. Be sure to answer every question on the application fully. Failure to include the required number of copies or the filing fee may also cause the application to be rejected.

The Board will grant a public hearing on an application if two of the five Board members approve. After all information has been compiled, a hearing will be scheduled. The person representing the applicant will be notified whether a hearing has been granted, and if so, will be given the time and place. Before the hearing, a legal notice will be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties where the crime was committed. The notice will include the applicant's name, conviction and the date and place of the hearing. Publication is required for every application to be heard by the Board.

Incarcerated applicants may not appear at a hearing, if granted. They may, however, designate another person to appear on their behalf. Applicants may be represented at the hearing, if granted, by privately retained legal counsel. Alternatively, applicants may also request representation from the Department of Corrections. At a hearing, fifteen minutes will be allowed to argue in support of an application, and fifteen minutes will be allowed to argue in opposition to an application. In cases involving the death penalty, 30 minutes will be allowed for each side.

Any person who wants to provide information to the Board in support of an application may communicate or correspond with the Secretary of the Board.

Secretary, Board of Pardons
Pennsylvania Board of Pardons
333 Market Street, 15th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Tel: (717) 787-2596

Following the hearing, the Board will issue a recommendation to the Governor and submit the case to the Governor for review and final action. The applicant will be notified of the Board's decision within 14 days of the hearing.

If the Board recommends granting a commutation of sentence and the Governor approves, the commutation will be conditional. If probation or parole is violated following commutation or the applicant is convicted of a new crime, the commutation will be voided and revoked.

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: 01.17.07