Victims and Survivors

When someone applies for clemency, victims and survivors of that specific crime can take part in the process. Commission staff try to find contact information and reach out to victims and survivors at least 30 days before the hearing.

Victims and survivors can attend the Commission hearings in person or virtually. If you cannot attend or do not want to participate, you can ask Commission staff to tell you what happened after the hearing.

If you choose to, you can tell the Commission and Board of Pardons members whether you support or do not support the clemency request. You can do this in writing, by talking to commission staff, or by speaking at the hearing.

If you want to speak to the Commission, but do not want your name or what you say to be public, you can ask that this part of the hearing be closed. Though meetings are subject to the open meeting law, the Commission may hold closed meetings as necessary to protect sensitive or confidential information, including a victim's identity and sensitive or confidential victim testimony.

Yes, victims and survivors have the option to speak at the hearing or provide a statement in writing. If you do not want to speak at the hearing, you can ask someone to read your statement for you. Commission and board members will see your statement even if you do not want it read at the hearing.

Yes. Victims and survivors will be able to say whether they do or do not support the pardon or commutation request. You will be able to say why and what the request means to you. You can do this in writing, by speaking at the hearing, or both ways.