INTRODUCTION
This guide is a resource for individuals who have applied for clemency from the Governor of California and ask the question, “What do I do now?” Here, you will find information and guidance on building an advocacy campaign in support of your clemency application. This resource will cover how to request support letters from people you know, organizations, and elected representatives; launch petitions and city/county resolutions; and engage with the media.
The material included is for informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. We encourage attorneys to support clemency applicants pro bono (free of charge). This guide is intended to increase access to resources and freedom of incarcerated people.
For more information on how to apply or reapply for a commutation, the process for clemency for people “twice- convicted”, and Board of Parole Hearings interview preparation, request the California Coalition for Women Prisoners’ (CCWP) “Commutation Application Guide” by writing to California Coalition for Women Prisoners, 4400 Market Street, Oakland, CA 94608. The guide is also available online here in English and Spanish: https://droplwop.com/commuations-application-guide/
For information on how to apply or reapply for a pardon, request Asian Americans Advancing Justice’s “Guide to California Pardons” by writing to Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus, Attn: CJR, 55 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111. The guide is also available online here: https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/05/pardon-guide.pdf
For more information on post-conviction relief options and immigration status, please review these resources from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/ca_post-con-remedies-5.pdf,
https://www.ilrc.org/fact-sheet-about-gubernatorial-pardons-california
LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
Greetings Family,
My name is Steven Green. It is important you know who I am and where my life is headed, because I was once sentenced to life without possibility of parole (LWOP). After serving nearly 28 years in prison, I received a commutation from Governor Brown in 2018.
I am currently a student at CSU Fullerton earning my BA degree in Criminal Justice. I am diligently working on being admitted to a Ph.D. program. I am a statewide organizer for FUEL Families United to End Life Without Parole. I am also a member of the National Life Without Parole Leadership Council working in collaboration with Human Rights Watch. I never imagined my life being where it is at today. I want everyone to have a chance to live up to their potential and fulfill their dreams.
If you have applied for clemency– a pardon, commutation, or reprieve– and you are wondering how you can uplift and advocate for your clemency, this guide is for you. The Clemency Advocacy Guide was made by advocates, family members, formerly incarcerated people, and people facing deportation. You’ll see clemency campaigns highlighted throughout the guide — the majority of the people featured have received pardons or commutations, and one person received a medical reprieve. This guide was made with love and a desire to help people come home and stay in their communities.
In Community,
Steven Green
Included Topics
I. KEY PLAYERS IN CLEMENCY DECISION-MAKING
II. SUPPORT LETTERS
II. BUILDING A PUBLIC CLEMENCY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN
III. BUILDING A NON-PUBLIC CLEMENCY CAMPAIGN
IV. APPENDIX
FULL REPORT
A full copy of the report from Steven Green can be had by clicking the button below.