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 A pardon is for people whose sentences are complete and no longer active.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?
CRC Releases 2025 Report to the Legislature
On February 15, 2026, the CRC submitted its annual report to the legislature. The report shows a 103% increase in granted clemency applications: 130 applications were granted in 2025 as compared to 64 applications that were granted in 2024.
Did you know that the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library posts mandated legislative reports from all state agencies, boards, and commissions on its website? To view current and past reports from the Clemency Review Commission visit the Legislative Reference Library's online archive. Historical reports from the Board of Pardons can always be viewed in the online archive.
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
The Clemency Review Commission will meet every first Friday of the month in 2026, except January and July when it will meet on the second Friday. More details about meeting agendas for the second half of the year will be posted on this website once confirmed.
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.