Category: Pardon Hearing

CAN I GET A PARDON IN ILLINOIS IF MY FAMILY DOES NOT COOPERATE?  

In most cases, people seeking a governor’s pardon for crimes that took place many years ago can rely on help from family.  It may be their spouse, their siblings or even older children.  But what if you are estranged from most of your family? Do you really need family support to get a pardon?

In some cases, the answer may be no.  It could be that you have serious religious or political differences with family members. Or you have very few family members still alive.  You may be able to explain the lack of family support. While that lack could make the process more difficult, the truth is that you have no obligation to provide references from blood relatives.

If you have a social network and are involved in the community, you may well be able to secure a pardon by relying on letters from friends, co-workers or members of any organization where you volunteer.  The Illinois Prisoner Review Board will want to see clear indications that you have reformed and are leading a productive life. Other members of your social circle may help deliver that message.

If you have other questions about pardons or commutations for yourself or a loved one, please contact  Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.

Can Witnesses Appear to Oppose My Pardon?

Perhaps you were involved in a robbery that turned violent when you were young.  Since then, you have changed your life for the better and are raising a family.  You may have even started a business or launched a career.  If you go forward in seeking a pardon, can witnesses from your past appear at your hearing to testify against you?

In Illinois, the answer is yes. If you file a petition for executive clemency, you are required to share a copy of your petition with the state’s attorney of any county where your crime(s) took place. A state’s attorney may choose to contact the victims or others affected by the original case. Sometimes the witness may be a relative of someone who died as a direct result of your actions.

If this happens, do not panic.  Even though you may not question a witness who opposes your pardon, your hearing takes place before the Prisoner Review Board. Board members will take all the facts into consideration.  If you have changed your life and made a positive contribution to society, the board may decide that you deserve that pardon despite the opposition.

You should also bear in mind that you will never score points with the board by criticizing people who oppose your petition.  Your reaction to what they say will be scrutinized and may even indicate whether you really have matured.  If you seem genuinely repentant, the board may consider that the most decisive factor.

An attorney can greatly assist you in preparing your petition as well as with your presentation at the hearing.

If you have questions about this or another related Illinois criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.

(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)