It hurts to have a loved one in prison. After many years of serving a sentence, you may be losing hope of ever seeing them again on the outside. But many inmates do have a good chance of winning an eventual release through commuting a sentence. The most critical ingredient in doing so: you need to have a clear plan.
To start, you will have to file a petition for executive clemency with the governor. The Illinois Prison Board of Review reviews the petition before making a recommendation to the governor. You may choose to request a hearing before the Board to better present your loved one’s case although he or she will not be allowed to attend. The governor then reaches a decision on the petition.
For the best chance of success, especially for violent or repeat offenders, it is absolutely essential to show a plan for release. Will the former inmate live with you? If not, where? Does he or she have friends who will help? Did your loved one prepare for a career while in custody? Has a job been lined up? Were there indications of psychological problems? If so, have changes taken place? What are the plans for treatment after release?
All governors have heard anecdotes about pardoned individuals who go on to commit terrible crimes. Such offenders have even been used to defeat a presidential campaign. Any governor will need a lot of reassurance before they will stick their neck out to release your inmate. An attorney can help prepare the clemency petition to present your loved one’s situation in its most compelling light.
If you have questions about executive clemency, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.