I am relatively new to this board. Have good news about my friend. I thought his clemency was denied when it was not passed to phase 2. The hearing was in Dec. 2003 and they still haven't informed him (he's in a private prison in Newton, Texas). I called to check up on it and they told me it was up for review in June (and every 6 months). Just so happy that his situation is not hopeless and would appreciate any advice in helping him succeed in June. Karen

One day my husband will ask for clemecy. He is taking all the classes he can and is staying out of trouble, we figure if he waits another few years (he's a lifer) The Gov will be a bit more willing to consider. Also it's best that we wait for a new Gov. as the one we have now is a former DA. I wish you and your friend the best of luck!! By the way, welcome to PTO!!

My husband had a unanimous recommendation from the Board but the current Gov. denied it last year. She had 90 days to act or it would have gone into effect automatically. She denied it on day 88. We will try agian as soon as we can (unless the laws change and he gets out anyway)

My husband had a unanimous recommendation from the Board but the current Gov. denied it last year. She had 90 days to act or it would have gone into effect automatically. She denied it on day 88. We will try agian as soon as we can (unless the laws change and he gets out anyway)
So sorry to hear that--how devastating. Is it true that you have to wait 2 years to reapply? I hope the sentencing laws change soon in your favor. Karen

Thanks Karen,

You do have to wait 2 years from the date of the last Board action. In our case that was the phase 2 hearing, so at least we don't have to wait 2 years from the denial date. It took them over a month to send the recommendation to the Gov, then her almost 3 months to deny. That would have made in 4 months later. I don't know if it will do any good, but we will try. If the laws don't change he is out in 06. If we get to the Gov again in 05 it would only be for 1 year early on a 10 yr sentence. Maybe she will go for that :)

Good luck to your friend too!

One good piece of advice,when filing for clemency do as well use the arguement that it will save the tax payers a lot of funds,as AZ is pretty uptight and on top of over crowded in prisons and have to transfer inmates to others states.

I agree with the financial reasons for early release, but the Governor does not care. My husband got 10 yrs for $1200 dollars. 10 years where he must served 8 1/2. That's over 3100 days at over $40.00 a day. That works out to $124,100.00 to teach him a lesson She would not let him out 3 years early. They could have saved over $44,000. She states that if a sentence has been given it should be served. She is very much against any form of early release.

The only way the Board recommends clemancy is if they feel the sentence was excessive. Not good behavior or that they have changed. Those things need to be evident too, but unless they feel the sentence was excessive they said they would not make a recommendation.

It is all a big mess!!! :argh