Executive Clemency Information
There are four types of executive clemency:
- restoration of citizenship (right to vote and hold elected office)
- special restoration of citizenship (firearm rights)
- pardon, and
- commutation of sentence.
The Governor grants clemency for state convictions.
The President grants clemency for federal convictions.
1. Restoration of citizenship: This clemency restores the right of a person to vote and hold public office. The Board of Parole does not process these applications. Submit them to Governor's Office or call (515) 281-5211.
2. Special Restoration of Citizenship: This clemency restores the firearm rights of a person convicted of a non-forcible felony or other state offenses. Individuals may apply five years after they have completed their sentence.
3. Pardon: A full and unconditional pardon restores the right to:
- vote.
- hold elected office.
- firearm rights, and
- relieves the offender from further punishment imposed by of the criminal offense.
A pardon will not erase or expunge the record of conviction. Individuals convicted of a state crime may apply for a pardon ten years after they have completed their sentence.
4. Commutation of Sentence: This clemency reduces or lessens the original sentence. This follows an active and ongoing period of incarceration. An offender convicted of a life sentence may apply for a commutation of sentence once every ten years.