Clemency is an alternative to a pardon. In other pages on this website, I have discussed some of the statistics related to Connecticut pardons. Here I talk about statistics related to Connecticut clemency. So, if you want clemency related to a crime, these statistics can give you a place to start.
What is Clemency?
We usually talk about pardons on this website, but clemency is another term that you should be familiar with.
Clemency is leniency granted for a given crime. It is different from a pardon in that the clemency does not expunge or erase the crime. It does not mean that the crime is totally overlooked, but, in a sense it means that the crime is forgiven. A person is treated more leniently for their actions in the penalties that they receive.
Clemency is usually approved in more severe cases. It is not considered to be a right of any individual. Rather, it acts as a privilege granted when deemed appropriate. Also, it is not easily granted to any individual. A clemency does not clear your criminal record, but it can make life easier for the person who has been convicted of a crime.
Clemency Statistics
Clemency does not erase your criminal history or pardon it. Instead, clemency consists of leniency granted for a crime. Clemency sometimes has use for severe crimes that carry harsh penalties. Also, getting clemency means that you will face less serious penalties for the crime. Also, clemency gets granted by the Board of Pardons for each state.
Here are the clemency statistics for the State of Connecticut, starting in 2007. Prior to 2007, there are no available records for clemency statistics in Connecticut.
- In 2007, three clemency applications went to Connecticut officials. No additional information on the outcomes of these cases exists for review.
- In 2008, there were 11 clemency applications in Connecticut. As in 2007, there isn’t additional information on the outcome of these cases.
- In 2009, there were 37 clemency applications in Connecticut. All 37 applications got denied.
- In 2010, 34 clemency applications happened in Connecticut. Three did not reach completion. Also, 26 of them got denied.
- In 2011, there were 85 clemency applications. 54 were incomplete and 35 got denied.
- In 2012, 51 applications got sent in. 28 were incomplete, 13 got denied, and one got granted.
- In 2013, 48 clemency applications happened in Connecticut. 26 were incomplete, 21 got denied, and one got granted.
- In 2014, the state got 64 clemency applications. 38 were incomplete and seven got denied.
Your Fresh Start
As you can see, the State of Connecticut does not grant many clemency requests. They grant far less clemencies than pardons, and less people apply for a clemency than for a pardon. If you want to request clemency, it is important that you talk to a lawyer about your situation. They can help you prepare a solid application. Because of my experience working with clemency, I can help you. For more information, please contact our office and set up a free consultation. We can determine if a clemency or a pardon is more appropriate for your situation and I can help you with your application no matter which option you choose.