MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — Governor Tony Evers has announced several changes to the state’s pardon process, including a new direct application for non-violent offenders.
Those who have committed non-violent felonies can now have their applications sent directly to the Governor’s desk, bypassing the Pardon Advisory Board, if enough time has passed since the crime was committed.
Additionally, a new application is being issued which expands pardon eligibility to ensure individuals who have completed all their sentences after five years have passed. Previously, individuals could only be pardoned for their most recent felony.
“After nine years of the board sitting dormant, there are a lot of people out there looking and hoping for their second chance,” said Gov. Evers. “Throughout the two years of the Board, we have learned about some areas where we can improve the process to streamline it and help ensure we can get pardons to those who are deserving, including allowing those with low-level, nonviolent offenses to be sent directly to my desk for consideration, as well as making a correction that was preventing folks from receiving pardons not because their crimes were more serious or because they posed a greater risk to the community, but due to the timing of their convictions and sentencing.”
Ever’s signed the changes into law at an event in Milwaukee where he also announced that he’s granted 71 additional pardons. Evers has now granted over 260 pardons since re-establishing the state Pardon Advisory Board.
Pardons do not erase the crime from a person’s record, but they do restore some rights such as the right to vote, hold certain professional licenses, or hold public office. Those who must register as sex offenders are not eligible for pardon.
