What is Clemency?
Clemency is any act of mercy or compassion shown toward someone who has committed a crime. The most common types of clemency in Minnesota are pardons and commutations. A pardon is for people whose sentences are complete and no longer active. A commutation is for people that are still serving part of their sentence.
How to Apply
To apply for a pardon or commutation, you must complete an application. Learn more about applying for a pardon or commutation.
Eligibility
For Pardons
People with adult criminal convictions from Minnesota state courts are eligible to apply for pardons five years after their sentence has been discharged or expired. Learn more about being eligible for pardons.
For Commutations
People with adult criminal convictions from Minnesota state courts are eligible to apply for commutations five years after they are convicted (pleaded guilty or were found guilty) or after they have served half of their sentence – whichever comes first. Learn more about being eligible for commutations.
Meeting Statutory Waiting Periods
There are two types of required waiting periods: a waiting period to apply for the first time after a conviction and a waiting period to reapply after you have previously applied for and been denied clemency by the Board of Pardons. Learn more about meeting statutory waiting periods.
What's New?
January 20, 2026 Board of Pardons Meeting
The Board of Pardons will meet on January 20, 2026 at the Minnesota Judicial Center located at 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. The Board will review and vote on the recommendations of the Clemency Review Commission for applicants heard in October & November of 2025. Applicants that have already received a hearing with the CRC will be notified if they are required to appear before the Board of Pardons at an additional meeting.
First Half of 2026 CRC Meeting Meeting Dates
January 9, 2026 - Governance and Training
February 6, 2026 - Governance and Training
March 6, 2026 - Clemency Hearings
April 3, 2026 - Clemency Hearings
May 1, 2026 - Clemency Hearings
June 5, 2026 - Governance and Training
If you have questions about the status of your application, please contact our office at clemency.review.commission@state.mn.us. For more information, please visit the Meeting Materials page.
Stay Informed
Follow our website for updates, meeting schedules, and more details about the Commission’s work. We are committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and justice in Minnesota’s clemency process.