In one of the more postitive stories of the day, a 50 year old woman, convicted as a habitual offender who has spent the last 20 years in prison - has had her sentenced reduced by Governor Crist and the Executive Clemency Board.
How does that work? A person makes an application to the Board and through a somewhat long process, and the Board (made up of the governor, attorney general, CFO, and agriculture comminsoner) decide whether or not the person is eligible.
To be pardoned is really nothing short of a miracle. According to the Clemency website, there are 153,190 persons have been granted their civil rights as of September 2010. I'm not sure if that number is from the beginning of time (the law allowing the restoration of civil rights was enacted in 1968), or just this year. But that's merely the restoration of civil rights, not communtation of sentences. I can recall just two of those this year. And there's over 100,000 people in prison.
According to reports, Ms. Baker was a model inmate - taking advantage of the few programs offered in Florida Department of Corrections - as well as being a mentor to other inmates.
She applied to the Executive Clemency Board, got the support of Florida Legislator Darryl Rouson, as well as her friends and family. The Board realized that a 50 year sentence for trafficking drugs, for this "model inmate." was unfair. (I think it's unfortunate the legislature hasn't realized that in all cases.)
What happens when you're pardoned? The crime doesn't go away, it's not like sealing or expunging (which by the way, very few people are eligible for either). But your civil rights are restored so you can vote and hopefully, restore some semblance of a normal life.
People make mistakes, and clemency should be offered in more cases. But if you're looking to apply - get some political heavy hitters on your side. And do it quick - before Rick Scott and his grandiose prison reform get in.
