Applying for Executive Clemency in Texas

Applicable Form of Executive Clemency: Commutation of Sentence

Eligibility: All inmates are eligible to apply. If a previous commutation of sentence petition was denied, the inmate must wait one year from the notice of denial to reapply.
Application Process: Applications are available upon request by contacting:

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Executive Clemency Section
8610 Shoal Creek Boulevard
Austin, TX 78757
Tel: (512) 406-5852
Fax: (512) 467-0945

For all information regarding the Executive Clemency application process visit the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles web site.
The Board of Pardons and Paroles reviews written applications for commutation of sentence and issues a recommendation to the Governor.
In order for the Board to consider an application, it must receive:
1) A completed application that is signed and dated by the applicant
2) Written recommendations of a majority of the current trial officials (the present sheriff, prosecuting attorney, and judge) in the county and court of offense and conviction
A recommendation of a trial official must include:
· A statement that the penalty imposed now appears to be excessive
· A recommendation of a definite term now considered to be just and proper by the official
· A statement of the reasons for the recommendation based upon facts directly related to the facts of the case and in existence, but not available to, the court or jury at the time of the trial, or a statutory change in penalty for the crime which would appear to make the original penalty excessive
If the Board recommends commutation of sentence, the Governor will make the final decision. The applicant will be notified in writing upon final action.
Applicants should make the Board aware of any changes of address or telephone number.

Source: (http://www.cjpf.org/clemency/Texas.html)

Applying for a Federal Pardon
Section 1.3 of the Rules Governing Petitions for Executive Clemency reads “No petition for commutation of sentence, including remission of fine, should be filed if other forms of judicial or administrative relief are available, except upon a showing of exceptional circumstances.” Pardon Requests usually are not accepted from persons challenging their sentence or conviction through appeals courts or other court proceedings.
Applications can be obtained by contacting:

Office of the Pardon Attorney
500 First Street, NW, 4th Floor
Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
Tel: (202) 616-6070
Fax: (202) 616-6069