Why do presidents give criminals pardons and when does this happen?

Question

In other words, what is the process in order to get clemency from a president, and why does the president do this? I always wonder about this. Any sort of assistance would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Presidential pardons fall into two groups.

First are people who have exhausted all their appeals, but have then found evidence of innocence.

Second, and far greater, are their friends and political contributors.

Bill Clinton, for example, issued 396 Pardons, of which 71 were after proof of innocence, and 325 were to political allies or campaign contributors.

As a bit of trivia, Clinton's last day in office saw the largest number of pardons ever issued in one batch by an American President.

Richard

Answer 2

You have to go through a process - the Dept. of Justice has a special section for this.

Most of the time, it is people who have admitted guilt, finished thier punishment, including paying their fines, and have stayed out of trouble for a number of years since. They have contributed to the community through community service, etc.
You write a letter with all of this information and send it to this special department, they choose the names based on mostly politics and once a year the president pardons them (usually before Christmas).

However, the Constitution doesn't require all that has been set up, he can pardon anyone at anytime, just as long as it isn't impeachment related.

Answer 3

You write a letter asking it after your appeals are denied... First you ask the governor and if the governor says no then the person can write the President.

It is in his job duties. Typically the President only gets involved in the "high-profile" cases it is usually the governor that decides. It is rare that a governor will grant clemency, but it has happened.

Death Penalty Cases mostly....