My friend's clemency appeal was not passed to phase 2 in Dec. 2003. He was never informed of the decision (he's in Newton, TX) and when I called in Feb. someone told me because he's done so much time, he would be reviewed every 6 months. I called today to see when the clemency hearing is scheduled and they told me that I was given incorrect info since his crime was committed in '94--he had to serve 85% of his sentence. He has no other option other than to reapply for clemency in Dec. 2005.

I had to send him a letter dashing his hopes today. Anybody else have problems with the ADC and incorrect info? They have two different release dates and his classification profile is blank on the ADC website.

Unfortunately you can't put much hope into clemency anyway. My husband got a unanimous recommendation for release last year and the Gov. denied it. I think she has denied them all so far.

He does have to wait 2 years from the date of the last board action. So in your friend's case 2 years from the phase one hearing. We have to wait 2 years from the phase 2, so for us it is now less than a year. We will try again but won't get our hopes up. He is 6 yrs into a 10 year. By the time he has his next hearing it will be almost 7, with the earliest release at 7 1/2, so just maybe we can get him out one year early.

We have to also keep hoping they change the laws, but so far the only ones they have considered would not be retroactive and not help anyone already sentenced if or when the law changes.

I feel so bad for anyone dealing with a lot of time. 10 years is a lot, but I know there are many with more time to deal with. I am sure he knows by now that 2 years goes fast. He just needs to keep doing all he can to improve himself and make the board happy. He needs to do any course work/rehab/life training available. In the end, the board only recommends if they think the sentence was too stiff, and the Gov denies them all except in "extreme" circumstances.

I don't mean to be a downer, I am keeping hope but being realistic.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, faithfulforever. I probably had my hopes up more than him. His early release date is 2012--so depressing. After reading the article in the AZ Republic yesterday, I'm a little more hopeful the laws will change.

I'm so sorry about your husband and wish you better luck next time.