Is there an average number of years taken off an inmate's sentence if granted clemency, or do they just pick a number so to speak? Thank you.

Steener

The convening authority has full discretion in granting clemency. Based on my research, they can approve the sentence as recommended, provide for a lesser sentence, or completely do away with it. Clemency is based on a number of factors and they are weighed in mitigation against the aggravating factors, if any. There is no set formula that I am aware of--just the balancing of the factors. So, naturally, the more favorable a clemency package is, i.e., more letters in support, more evidence of rehabilitative potential, etc., the more it weighs against imposing the harsher sentence. It doesn't always work out that way, since it is completely discretionary. Hope that helps answer your question.

Is there an average number of years taken off an inmate's sentence if granted clemency, or do they just pick a number so to speak? Thank you.

SteenerSteener, I just found this web site last night. I was confined at the db for 10 years and 3 months. this was 74-84. I was a USMC prisoner. my sentence was natural life, coped a plea for 36 years. after serving 5 years they reduced my sentence to 31 years. seen others that got clemency every year. depends on the branch of he service I guess. Back then they were not giving Marines any tyoe of clemency. I was the first Marine from Ft. Leavenworth with any length of time to be paroleed. Keep the faith it will al be over one day, and you can more on with your lives.

Lee

Lee, thank you so much for finding PTO and joining our discussions. Since you were actually confined to USDB, your insight and opinions are invaluable to us. It is so difficult to get straight information about issues and anyone with "inside information" is welcomed with open arms! Did your sentence reduction come after exhaustion of appeals? From your post, it looks like you were paroled at 10 (normal for a term of 30 years). Were you paroled after your first hearing? I ask because my son has been convinced there is no parole from USDB and he will have to max out his term of years before he is released. Because of this, he wants a federal transfer because he's heard parole is easier to get in a federal rather than a military facility. Any information you can provide is very much appreciated! Again, welcome to our discussion and I look forward to reading your posts.
~ Lisa

Even after all your appeals are over, your case goes before the Clemency board for your respective service every year. It is typical of lifers to first receive clemency in the form of being given a number, such as 99 years instead of life. Then the number is gradually lowered until the inmate is granted parole or he serves his sentence. For others who already have a determinate number of years, clemency can be awarded at the discretion of the board. I was a Marine and Sec of the Navy gave me clemency reducing my sentence from 15 years to 8 years. Hope this helps.