GOVERNOR CRIST ANNOUNCES CLEMENCY BOARD’S VOTE TO RESTORE CIVIL RIGHTS
April 5, 2007
Contact:
ERIN ISAAC
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today during a special meeting of the Florida Board of Executive Clemency introduced a change to the Rules of Executive Clemency that will provide for the restoration of the civil rights for certain ex-offenders. The rule was approved by a 3-1 majority of the clemency board, which consists of the Governor and the Florida Cabinet. Attorney General Bill McCollum voted against the measure.
“If we believe people have paid their debt to society, then that debt should be considered paid in full, and their civil rights should in fact be restored,” said Governor Crist. “By granting ex-offenders the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, we restore their ability to be gainfully employed, as well as their dignity.”
Under the rule, the civil rights of ex-offenders who have committed less severe crimes, and meet the following requirements, would qualify for approval without a hearing:
Those who have completed their sentence as well as all conditions of supervision, including probation;
Those who have no pending criminal charges;
Those who have paid all victim restitution;
Those who have not committed certain severe offenses or qualify as a habitual violent offender, violent career criminal or sexual predator.
The rule also provides for clemency board review and approval of certain offenders who have committed severe crimes by means of a Preliminary Review List, without the need for a full hearing.
“I am proud to stand with the Cabinet to stop denying voting rights and occupational licenses to tens of thousands of Floridians each year who deserve a second chance,” said Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. “We should provide Floridians with incentives, instead of roadblocks, to be responsible and to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.”
A certificate will be mailed to individuals who meet the criteria for automatic approval for restoration of civil rights. Individuals who are not eligible for automatic approval may continue to apply for restoration by contacting the Office of Executive Clemency.
RESTORATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS
How the Clemency Process Begins:
The Department of Corrections submits a list of ex-offenders who have completed their sentences for review by the Parole Commission, based on the offense committed.
The Parole Commission reviews the list for initial eligibility to verify that:
a. They have completed their sentence.
b. They have completed their probation or supervision.
c. They have paid 100% of victim restitution.
d. There are no pending cases on the state or federal level.
Once initial eligibility is verified, the Parole Commission will determine which restoration level process is required.
Once an ex-offender’s level has been determined, the Office of Executive Clemency initiates the process.
a. For less severe and severe offenses, except murder and sex offenses, ex-offenders are not required to take any action and will be notified if their rights have been restored or if found ineligible.
b. For murder, sex offenses, and unapproved severe offenses, ex-offenders need to request a hearing through the Office of the Executive Clemency.
Under these rules, the rights being restored are:
Voting Rights
Right to Serve on a Jury
Right to Apply for Occupational Licenses
Right to Hold Public Office
Gun rights will NOT be restored.