Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Acts on 222 Executive Clemency Petitions

3/30/2013

Yesterday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn released his first batch of clemency decisions for 2013. On this Easter weekend, 222 petitioners will be receiving their decisions, with 87 of them being granted. The decisions came on petitions that were filed between 2005 through 2012. The vast majority of executive clemency approvals come in the form of pardons with authorization to expunge their criminal record.

With this latest batch, Governor Quinn has now acted on 2,459 petitions since taking office, granting 929 and denying 1,530. It’s all part of an ongoing effort by the Governor to overcome the backlog of clemency petitions left over from former Governor Rod Blagojevich.

At the Bryant Chavez Law Office, we would like to congratulate those that get to start the next chapter of their lives with a clean slate! We would also like to commend Governor Quinn for taking action to help them start over. Unlike some other governors, Governor Quinn has proven that he is willing to grant a fresh start to those who have earned it.

56 Comments

Jamyra bew

3/29/2013 11:35:19 pm

Oh, my Lord!! Thank you Jesus!! Can someone please upload a list of the names who were pardon!! Thank you!!!

Anon

3/30/2013 09:43:19 am

Is a list available to view?

S.C.

3/31/2013 06:56:35 pm

Yes, please tell us where to see the list of names. Thank you!

Bryant Chavez

4/1/2013 02:51:10 am

I haven't seen any published lists for this latest batch yet. If your petition was decided on, then you can expect a letter in the mail any day now. Also, you can contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board if you need to know sooner (ken.tupy@illinois.gov).

Mel

4/1/2013 09:40:08 am

The link will take you to the list. Good luck to everyone!

http://o5.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/patch/adb87f5c00147eb0cb093f7939c50416

Bryant Chavez

4/1/2013 10:31:51 am

Thanks, Mel!

If anyone is having trouble, it should open in Adobe Reader.

shari

12/26/2014 01:21:43 am

Mel
Thank you! Although I didnt make the cut this time, maybe next! I am ecstatic for thsoe who received theirs. What a blessed Christmas they will remember the rest of their lives! Merry Christmas...hoping he does another round before he leaves office Jan 12th...and that the new gov will do more!
peace to all
mel where did you find the list?

Jan

1/6/2015 07:33:27 am

How can I get a list for December 2014?

Henry Edward Clark Jr

4/1/2013 12:40:22 pm

I was granted a pardon w/expungement from Gov Quinn on Friday, does it automatically restore all my civil right, I live in MO had have been since my crime in1991. Does it restore my firearm rights? Or do I have to do anything further? I called the prisoner review board but all I got was answering machine and they still have not called me back. Spring turkey season is in 2 weeks here in MO and I would love to be able to take my son hunting instead of his grandpa this time but I also want to be 100% sure I am legall to do so..any input would be helpful. Thank You so much for your time

catalina bell

5/31/2013 04:25:41 am

Congratulations, Mr. Clark! Make sure you file your pardon to become cleared from the state of Illinois, at the circuit court in Illinois! It takes 60 days to clear your background by the arresting agency and state attorney! There is a fee to officially expunge your record in the state of Illinois! If you are an indigent person than the fee is zero! I hope this was helpful and enjoy your hunting freedom!

Johnny Schuldt

11/30/2013 02:21:31 pm

I am actually trying to find this out now. I was convicted. I got a pardoned and expunged, but when I try to get a FOID card they said "I have to get my civil rights restored." They will not tell me how to do this or they just don't know. If you get any infomation I would appreicate it. If you send me an e-mail and I find out anything I will let you know.

Bryant Chavez

12/2/2013 12:52:06 am

Johnny, you can give the office a call or shoot me an email and I will explain it for you.

Bryant Chavez

4/1/2013 01:45:14 pm

Henry, there are a few details involved there, so it may be easier to discuss it over the phone. Feel free to give the office a call tomorrow and we can go over everything more thoroughly.

Anonymous

4/2/2013 05:55:38 am

How come he does not sign these more often? If he just sat down every friday and signed a couple hundred it would help a lot of people. It wouldn't take him more than 30 minutes.

Henry E Clark Jr

4/3/2013 10:35:41 pm

I asked the same question a few years back and they told me that everyone goes through a back ground check again and there is a lot of paperwork that is done by Gov Quinn lawyers to put forth the actions of the pardon.So it takes time to do each persons over for a second time then the process to activate the pardon..I thought it would be easy just to sign off on them also but it's not that easy..

Renae

4/5/2013 06:21:53 am

I agree with you!!! When you think about it, the govenor have not accomplished no more than the last govenor. The previous govenor left the office with about 2500 cases sitting on his desk and it's taking Quinn almost four years to get them signed. What about the hundreds that poured in since he took office? If Quinn's goal is to clear Blagojevich backlogged cases and the ones that are coming in while he's in offce, then he has to change his plan and look at clemencies more often. Looking at them four times a year is not going to work. And commuting one sentence a year is not fair for those have a good record and have proven that they are deserving of a second chance.. I noticed that all the cases that have been pardon are those people who have already served their time and is asking that their record be cleared. If everyone one qualifies for a clemency, why is it that the govenor is overlooking them and letting them pile up on his desk like the last govenor. I know people that are incarcerated and have submitted clemencies when the gobenor took office and they have not been answered. I was told that they are looked at in the order received. Really? Well, why is it that people who have docket numbers dated 2010 to 2012 with answers and the people in the year before (2009) are still waiting? Inmates have to wait about a year if they are denied to resubmit another clemency, well it looks like by the time govenor Quinn get's to them, their time would have been served. Is that Quinn's goal so that he wont get criticized from people who are opposed to clemency? Please govenor Quinn, think about people lives and not political gain, because in the end, you have a judge too!!!

Myra

4/2/2013 10:47:58 am

Congrats to every one who received their pardon...that is awesome news!!

chris

4/7/2013 12:06:00 pm

congrats to those on the list it will sure help you out. just wish mine went through on a 1983 offense and 30 years of spotless(not even a ticket) oh well the part they will feel most relief of is the fact of employers getting over zealous on background checks trust me i know. remember even if 16 you can be charged as an adult n ruin a life .....keep your kids straight n narrow

Sharilee

4/8/2013 11:53:25 am

Waiting patiently...didnt make it this time..maybe next...keep praying!
Congrats to all!
s

Michael

4/9/2013 09:16:03 pm

I appeared before the PRB in Chicago in April 2012 for my clemency request. Still haven't heard anything either way, but I am happy for those individuals who finally received theirs. I thought everything went well the day of my hearing last year...keep waiting with the hope that I will eventually get mine too.

Mel

4/10/2013 09:30:55 am

I was ecstatic today when I saw my letter in the mail until I opened it and it said I still have to have it expunged through my county. I called the circuit clerk and she told me my letter basically means nothing. I am devistated, I have waited 5 long years, and then to be told the pardon/expungement from the governor is useless, I'm just sick.

Bryant Chavez

4/10/2013 09:41:50 am

Mel, the pardon is most certainly NOT useless. The pardon gives you the authorization to have your record expunged. It is true that you must still file the expungement petition in the court, but that is simply the second step of the process. You cannot get to that step without first getting the pardon.

I would be very careful about trusting information received from non-attorneys, even from the clerk's office. Give my office a call tomorrow and we can discuss representing you to have the case officially expunged.

SHARILEE

4/10/2013 11:53:09 am

I have a friend that jsut got tow of her three charges expunged..andthey told her she will have to file for a clemency on the third...so she didnt have a gov pardon and still got the expungement...??

Michael

4/12/2013 08:44:33 pm

Mel, first of all, congratulations! This is a major hurdle that you've just crossed. The person who told you that it is useless doesn't know what they are talking about. Attorney Bryant is right, you are now eligible to have your record expunged. All you have to do is file the necessary paperwork for the expungement, then wait a awhile for that process to go through.

Bryant Chavez

4/11/2013 05:14:18 am

Sharilee, I won't get into too many details here, but technically that is possible depending on a number of factors. However, that situation is relatively uncommon.

John S

4/12/2013 01:43:48 pm

Where can I find the lists of previous pardons that where granted. Also, is there a list(s) of pardons that were not granted.

Michael

4/13/2013 03:10:36 am

Jonn, I believe that info could be found by contacting the Prisoner Review Board.

Michael

4/19/2013 10:24:40 pm

I would think that the backlog from Blago's era must be just about completed. However, I noticed that some clemencies are from more recently filed dockets - with one given for a conviction in 2007 (docket filed in 2012).

I know each case is different, but is there a method for how the cases are handled? Also, how much weight is the PRB's decision which is passed on confidentially at the time of the clemency hearing?

Michael Bliss

4/25/2013 01:07:57 am

I've noticed from Quinn's past record, the clemency decisions usually come out right before a holiday...I would look for more to be done around July 4th.

Tim G.

4/25/2013 03:58:46 pm

How do you know if you didn't make the list?

Michael

4/29/2013 04:33:15 am

Tim, you would get a letter shortly after The Governor decides on your case. That's why it is important to keep your address up to date with the PRB. If you've moved since filing your clemency hearing, notify them via email or in writing of any changes.

Breah

4/30/2013 05:39:17 am

How do you know if the prisoner review board even approved your hearing? I went in April 2012 to chicago and have heard nothing. I realize this is a long process however, will we know if we were denied by them at all? I would try again if I was denied just not sure how you find that out. Calling the prisoner review board gets you nowhere but voicemails and unreturned calls.

Bryant Chavez

4/30/2013 09:26:22 am

The Prisoner Review Board does not have the power to approve or deny your petition. That rests solely in the Governor. The Board will provide a recommendation to the Governor, but that is kept strictly confidential. You will not receive notice of what this recommendation was.

If you haven't heard anything it means that your petition is still pending. Since you were on the 04/2012 docket, it will likely still be some time before you receive a decision from the Governor. Just be sure to notify the Prisoner Review Board if you ever have a change of address.

Good luck on your petition!

Kenvie L

5/22/2013 03:12:41 am

I filed a petition in 07 and was denied in 2010, but in the PRB system it was still pending. Good thing two years had passed, because I filed immediately. I just had a hearing in April of this year. hopefully it wont take five years for another decision to be made. I would like to gain employment with CCDOC before age 35.

oron z

5/23/2013 12:49:39 pm

Hi, I files for clemency in Jan of 08 for some mistakes I made in 1973 and 1980. I got unsupervised probation both times. I haven't heard a word about anything and when I called I got the usual run around. Is it possible they just lost the application even they say it's on a docket? Thank you.

Bryant Chavez

5/24/2013 03:25:47 am

If you filed in 2008, then it is likely that your case is still pending. The backlog left by Blagojevich was very long, and it takes time for Quinn to get through it all. I know the waiting can be frustrating, but the Prisoner Review Board will send you a letter when a decision is made. Good luck!

oron z

5/24/2013 03:51:07 am

Thank you....

David Pemberton

5/30/2013 05:22:56 am

I appeared before the PRB in Oct 2011. Is my application for expungement still pending? Is there any way to find out?

Bryant Chavez

5/30/2013 08:03:46 am

The only way to find out for sure is by contacting the Prisoner Review Board. However, if your petition was filed in 2011, it is almost assuredly still pending. The only update you will receive will be when a decision is made, which will likely still take a while longer. Be patient, and good luck!

Shawn

12/24/2014 12:12:39 pm

I also went before the expungement board in 2011, I've heard it would probably be 2017 before I hear anything due to backlog of cases.

Tiffany

6/17/2013 06:27:23 am

After reading some of these comments, I am still hopeful! I filed April of 2009! Good luck to everyone and great news for those who made it!!!

Michael

7/4/2013 02:06:18 am

Last year Quinn granted a batch of clemencies the second week of July. Let's hope he gets more done this year too.

Michael

7/12/2013 11:46:50 pm

Well, it doesn't look like Quinn acted on any clemencies like he did at this time last year. Considering his past record of usually doing them around holiday times, I am wondering if he will be waiting until Sept to do more.

Michael

8/3/2013 11:23:21 pm

I just caught the tail end of the news clip about Quinn enacting some new legislation to help ex-offenders. I am trying to figure out how the streamlining of expungement and other changes that were made in the criteria affect those waiting for clemency for non violent offenses.

Bryant Chavez

8/4/2013 08:33:21 am

The new laws won't directly affect those who are still pending for clemency. However, if more avenues open up for people to clear their record through expungement and sealing, then that will mean fewer people will need to seek clemency. With fewer clemency petitions, the Governor should be able to cycle through them faster.

Mel

9/3/2013 12:32:09 pm

I got a pardon form the the governor in March, and I have my expungement hearing 8/5, if the judge signs the expungement order will the crime be permanently removed from my record like it never existed or will agency's like the police or FBI still be able to see it? Will I be able to get a FOID card?

Bryant Chavez

9/4/2013 07:22:31 am

For a general pardon with authorization to expunge, the Illinois State Police will still consider the record for FOID purposes. If you want FOID language included within the pardon, that must be requested when petitioning for the pardon.

Javier

9/15/2013 02:37:22 pm

The beginning of this blog says 2005-2012, yet some on here have not heard back, mine is from July of 2012. I call from time to time both the Governors office and PRB and I get that they are still working on 2009 stuff........ I am a single father of 2 kids, convicted in 2004. I have had opportunities to make more than $20 an hour but shut down because of felony. I have a few computer certifications I made a strong case and points when I went. Everyday I check my mail for that special envelope.... thank you for this Blog

Robert Hecht

9/30/2013 03:51:08 pm

I am a 25 year old double major college graduate who committed an aggravated battery felony when I was 19. It was my only time I've ever been in trouble. Since then I have not committed a crime, it wasn't even of my character to do so. Made a stupid decision to punch someone. I appealed before the PRB in April 2012, had a favorable review by the board but have not heard anything yet for which I am waiting patiently. My question is how likely or unlikely would it be to receive a pardon/expungement for my offense?

sharilee

12/2/2013 09:34:07 am

When will there be another batch of pardons done?! He didnt do any for the 4th of July, none for Sept, none for Thanksgiving....Christmas maybe?

Catalina Bell

12/12/2013 12:31:35 pm

I received my expungement letter in April of 2012! I hope relief will come your way!

Javier

12/20/2013 12:45:55 pm

Catalina Bell, how many years did you wait for an answer?

Paula

12/24/2014 11:50:00 pm

Went to Springfield in front of the board, haven't heard anything. My son is almost 37 now. I have called the board get no answer. Can I give you his name for you to check on it. Been about 5 years,

SheWolf

1/16/2015 12:18:52 am

I've seen a Governor's pardon list for March 2013 in previous posts but does anyone have one for 2014? I've been trying to find info on my sons docket number but cannot find a thing, and I've tried A LOT of sites!

mike

2/9/2015 07:50:55 am

Why is my name on the list online but I just received a letter stating the I was denied. This is not funny what does it mean

Pete

2/16/2015 05:51:27 am

Longe does it take to get it executive clemency

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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn Acts on 222 Executive Clemency Petitions

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