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A commutation is a process whereby clemency may be considered and granted to modify a sentence imposed by the sentencing jurisdiction. Per IC §20-1016, “With respect to commutations and pardons for offenses, or conspiracies to commit any offense, for which the maximum punishment allowed by law at the time of sentencing is death or life imprisonment, the commission’s determination shall only constitute a recommendation subject to approval or disapproval by the governor.”
The Parole Commission will make a recommendation to the governor regarding the request for commutation. The governor has 30-days to make a final decision regarding the granting of the commutation. Any recommendation not approved within that 30-day period is deemed denied by the governor.
To request a sentence commutation, a Petition for Commutation must be completed by the petitioner and submitted through their supervising parole officer or institutional case manager. Detailed instructions and information regarding the Commutation process are provided on Page 1 of the Petition for Commutation.
It is at the complete discretion of the Commission to schedule commutation hearings.
For further information on the Commutation process or to request a sentence commutation visit the following links: