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The New Jersey Executive Clemency form is a detailed document used by individuals seeking a pardon, remission of fines, commutation of sentence, or other forms of executive clemency in New Jersey. Applicants must complete this form thoroughly, providing responses to questions about personal history, reasons for seeking clemency, and any supporting documents. It is crucial for applicants, whether confined in a correctional facility or not, to follow the provided instructions carefully to ensure their petition is properly processed and considered by the New Jersey State Parole Board's Clemency Unit.

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Content Overview

In the State of New Jersey, individuals seeking executive clemency have a structured avenue through which to petition for leniency in the form of a pardon, remission of a fine, commutation of a sentence, or other forms of clemency. The petition process is rigorous, requiring comprehensive information from the applicant to be submitted to the New Jersey State Parole Board's Clemency Unit. This detailed application mandates full and legible responses to a series of questions, ranging from personal history, educational background, and family information to a thorough record of any criminal history, indicating whether each arrest led to a conviction. Applicants are encouraged to support their petition with pertinent documents such as diplomas, certificates, and court records, although the submission of such documents is not a precondition for consideration. Those confined in a correctional facility must route their petitions through the administration of their facility, while others can mail their petitions directly. The format of the form underscores the state's dedication to a thorough review process, ensuring that every petition is considered with attention to the specific circumstances and merits of the applicant's case.

Document Sample

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

PETITION FOR EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY

INSTRUCTIONS: All questions must be answered in full and printed legibly in ink or typed. In the event that this form does not provide sufficient space for any answer, attach additional sheets and number your answer accordingly. If you are confined in a correctional facility, this form must be completed and forwarded to the Administrator of the correctional facility where you are confined. In all other cases the completed petition should be mailed to:

New Jersey State Parole Board

Attn: Clemency Unit

P.O. Box 862

Trenton, New Jersey 08625

NOTE: It would be helpful if you support this petition with documentation (i.e.; copies of high school diploma, college transcripts, marriage license, proof of employment, proof of citizenship, if applicable etc.); however, it is not necessary that you provide these documents.

Applicant Name:

Address:

Telephone #:

If you are represented by an attorney or other party, please indicate to whom all communications relating to this petition should be addressed.

Attorney Name:

Address:

Telephone #:

1.Type of Executive Clemency sought by applicant (check one below):

Pardon	Remission of Fine
Commutation of Sentence	Other

2.List any other names by which you have been known:

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3.What is your reason for seeking clemency?

4.State briefly why you believe you should be granted clemency:


5.	Date of Birth:	SBI No.:
	Place of Birth:		Driver's License No.:
	County of Birth:		Social Security No.:

6.If you were not born in the United States, complete below. When did you first enter the United States?

Port of entry:

Under what name did you enter?

Are you a naturalized citizen of the United States?


Yes	Date of Naturalization:
No	Give alien registration number:

Are you presently under an order for deportation or are deportation

proceedings pending?	Yes	No
Are you under an immigration detainer?		Yes	No

7.For each member of your family give the following information:

Name

(if deceased, give age at death)

Address

Occupation

Father

Mother

Brothers

Sisters

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Were your parents ever separated or divorced?

Yes

9.Please indicate the highest level of education you attended and the dates.

School

Date

Attended

Date

Completed

10. Were you ever married? (include civil union)	Yes	No
(If "yes", please provide)

Name Used

Maiden Name

Date Married/

Civil Union

Place of Marriage/

Civil Union

Did any marriage or civil union result in annulment, legal separation, or divorce?

Yes No

(If "yes", please provide)

Name of Court

Location of Court

Date of Decree

Type of Decree

Conditions of

Decree

11. Do you have children?

Yes

No If yes, how many? _________

Give the following information about your children and any others who are dependent upon you for support:

Name

Address

Date of

Birth

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12.List each job you have held and give the following information regarding each position:

Employer:


Date Employed:		Position Held:
Salary:	Reason for Leaving:
Employer:
Date Employed:		Position Held:
Salary:	Reason for Leaving:
Employer:
Date Employed:		Position Held:
Salary:	Reason for Leaving:

(Please use a separate sheet of paper for additional employers)

13. Religious affiliation:

Name of Church:

14.Provide names and addresses of any social clubs, unions, fraternal groups, or other community organizations to which you belong; include dates of participation.

15. Have you ever served in the United States Armed Forces?

Yes

(If "yes", please provide)

What branch did you serve?

Date and Place of entry:

Serial, service or identification number:

Highest rank:

Discharge:	Honorable	Dishonorable	General
	Bad Conduct	Other (explain)

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Date of discharge:

(Provide official discharge documents)

Do you have a disability that is recognized by the Veteran's Administration?

Yes No

If you do, describe the degree of your disability and indicate amount of financial benefit received per month:

16.Record of arrests: (List each time you were arrested and whether a conviction resulted. If you are uncertain of any details, your statement to that effect may be grounds for rejection of this petition for falsification. If possible, provide any arrest reports or court documents [i.e., Pre-Sentence Investigation Report and/or Judgment of Conviction]. If you are not in possession of these documents, our office will request them from the court.)


Arrest Date:	Date of Sentence:
Location of Court:		Crime(s):

Sentence:

(Confinement, Probation, Fine, etc.)

Circumstances of Crime:


Arrest Date:	Date of Sentence:
Location of Court:		Crime(s):

Sentence:

(Confinement, Probation, Fine, etc.)

Circumstances of Crime:


Arrest Date:	Date of Sentence:
Location of Court:		Crime(s):

Sentence:

(Confinement, Probation, Fine, etc.)

Circumstances of Crime:

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Arrest Date:	Date of Sentence:
Location of Court:		Crime(s):

Sentence:

(Confinement, Probation, Fine, etc.)

Circumstances of Crime:


Arrest Date:	Date of Sentence:
Location of Court:		Crime(s):

Sentence:

(Confinement, Probation, Fine, etc.)

Circumstances of Crime:

(Please use separate sheets of paper for additional arrests/convictions)

17.List each instance of incarceration in a correctional facility:

Name of Facility

Location of Facility

Date

Entered

Date

Released

18.Have you ever appealed the conviction or sentence for which you are seeking

clemency?

Yes

(If "yes", please provide)

Name of Court

Docket Number

Date of Disposition

of Appeal

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Are any appeals currently pending?	Yes	No
(If "yes", please provide)
What jurisdiction?
Have you ever filed a motion for post conviction relief?		Yes	No
(If "yes", please provide)

Disposition

Date of Disposition

Have you applied for an expungement?

Yes

(If "yes", please provide)

Disposition

Date of Disposition

19.List each instance of parole or probation including (PTI) Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI) and Conditional Discharge (CD):

Type of Supervision

(Parole, Probation, PT, CD)

Date Supervision

Began

District

Office

Date of

Discharge

List each instance of revocation of parole or probation:

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20.Have you ever had a court issue a restraining order against you for a domestic

violence-related incident?

Yes

(If "yes". please provide)

Details of restraining order:

21. Do you have any open, pending court matters?

Yes

(If "yes". please provide)

Court

(Superior or Municipal)

Offense

Date of

Arrest

22.Have you ever been hospitalized for treatment of a psychological disorder?

Yes No

(If "yes". please provide)

Institution

Date Entered

Date Released

23.Please provide a detailed history of your alcohol and/or drug use.

Substance(s) of choice: Frequency of use:

Age started:

Amount of money spent on use:
Ever sold drugs?	Yes	No
Ever charged with Driving Under the Influence?			Yes	No

(If "yes". please provide) Disposition:

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Have you ever received treatment for alcohol and/or drug addiction?

Yes No

(If "yes", please provide information for each treatment you experienced) Type of treatment: (Check all that apply)

Inpatient	Outpatient
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)	Alcohol Anonymous (AA)
Name of treatment facility:			Date entered:

Location:		Date discharged:
Number of days in treatment:
Reason for discharge:

(Please provide additional pages for each instance of treatment)

Did you successfully complete the program?

Yes

(If "no", please indicate reason for failure to complete the program)

Explanation:

Did the court ever order treatment?

Yes

(If "yes", please provide for each order)

Court

Date

24.Have you ever returned to active drug or alcohol use after attending Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous or after having received professional treatment?

Yes No

(If "yes", please provide)

Details of relapse:

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Have you ever participated in any alcohol or drug treatment programs during

your present confinement?	Yes	No
(If "yes", please provide)

Name of Program

Dates of Participation

If possible, provide copy of certificate of completion to all programs.

25.List any other institutional programs you are currently participating in or completed during your present confinement:

26.Have you ever previously applied to the Governor of New Jersey for Executive Clemency?

Yes No

(If "yes", please provide)

Date of

Application

Type of Clemency

Sought

Disposition

Date of

Disposition

27.This petition is subject to a complete investigation. However, the petitioner has the right to request that the State refrain from contacting individuals such as employers or others. Do you desire any such limitation to be placed on the

investigation?

Yes

(If "yes", please provide)

List of those not to be contacted:

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↓ New Jersey Executive Clemency PDF Form

Form Attributes

Fact	Details
Form Title	State of New Jersey Petition for Executive Clemency
Completion Requirement	All questions must be answered fully and legibly in ink or typed.
Procedure for Insufficient Space	If the form lacks space, attach additional sheets and number the answers accordingly.
Submission Location (Incarcerated Applicants)	Completed form must be forwarded to the Administrator of the correctional facility.
Submission Address (All other Applicants)	New Jersey State Parole Board, Attn: Clemency Unit, P.O. Box 862, Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Documentation	Supporting documentation is helpful but not required.
Type of Clemency	Applicants must specify the type of clemency sought: Pardon, Remission of Fine, Commutation of Sentence, Other.
Representative Information	If represented, details of the attorney or other representative must be provided.
Educational and Personal Information	Includes questions about education, family, marriage, and children.
Employment and Associations	Applicants describe employment history and membership in social or community organizations.

New Jersey Executive Clemency: Usage Guide

Filing out the New Jersey Executive Clemency form is a crucial step in seeking clemency. Whether you are in a correctional facility or not, the process requires attention to detail and the provision of accurate information. The form should be filled out legibly and submitted to the appropriate authorities, with accompanying documentation when possible. The following steps outline how to correctly complete the form.

Read all the instructions carefully before you begin to ensure you understand the requirements.
Fill out the Applicant Name, Address, and Telephone Number at the beginning of the form.
If you have legal representation, provide the Attorney Name, Address, and Telephone Number.
Check the type of Executive Clemency you are seeking (Pardon, Remission of Fine, Commutation of Sentence, Other).
List any other names you have been known by.
Clearly explain your reason for seeking clemency and why you believe it should be granted.
Provide personal details such as Date of Birth, Place of Birth, County of Birth, Driver’s License Number, and Social Security Number.
If not born in the U.S., complete the section regarding entry into the United States, including naturalization and possible deportation proceedings.
For each family member, give the required information.
Answer questions regarding marital status and provide details if married, including any legal proceedings like annulments or divorces.
If you have children or dependents, list their names, addresses, and dates of birth.
Detail your employment history, including employer name, dates employed, position held, salary, and reason for leaving.
State your religious affiliation and name of church, if applicable.
Provide information about club, union, fraternal group, or community organization memberships.
If applicable, indicate military service, including branch, dates, rank, type of discharge, and disability recognized by the Veteran's Administration.
List all arrests, with dates, court locations, crimes, sentences, and circumstances. Use additional sheets if necessary and attach any available documentation.
Sign and date the form upon completion. If confined, forward the form to the Administrator of the correctional facility; otherwise, mail it to the New Jersey State Parole Board, Clemency Unit, with the provided address.
Include supporting documentation such as diplomas, transcripts, marriage licenses, proof of employment, or citizenship if applicable. Though not mandatory, it can be helpful for your petition.

After submitting your form, it will be reviewed by the Clemency Unit of the New Jersey State Parole Board. It's important to follow instructions carefully and provide as much information and documentation as possible to support your petition. Remember, this process is a request for a legal reprieve, and accuracy and completeness of your application can significantly affect its consideration.

Listed Questions and Answers

What is executive clemency in New Jersey?

Executive clemency in New Jersey is the power vested in the governor to grant relief from the legal consequences of a conviction. This can encompass a pardon, commutation of sentence, remission of fine, or other forms of clemency. Essentially, it's a way for individuals to seek forgiveness or a reduction in their sentence post-conviction, based on various grounds such as rehabilitation or undue harshness of the original sentence.

Who can apply for executive clemency in New Jersey?

Any individual convicted of a crime in New Jersey can apply for executive clemency. This includes those currently confined in a correctional facility, as well as those who have served their sentence but are seeking relief from the lingering effects of their conviction, such as the restoration of rights or expungement of their criminal record.

How does one apply for executive clemency?

To apply for executive clemency in New Jersey, the applicant must complete the Petition for Executive Clemency form. This form requires detailed information about the applicant's background, the conviction for which clemency is sought, and the reasons for seeking clemency. If confined, the completed form should be forwarded to the facility's administrator; otherwise, it should be mailed to the New Jersey State Parole Board's Clemency Unit. Including supporting documentation, while not mandatory, can be helpful to the application.

What types of clemency are available?

The types of executive clemency available in New Jersey include:

Pardon: A full pardon absolves the individual from all the legal consequences of their conviction.
Remission of Fine: This is a relief from the financial penalties associated with a conviction.
Commutation of Sentence: This reduces the length of a sentence but does not void the conviction itself.
Other: This category can include any form of clemency not specifically categorized, tailored to the unique circumstances of the individual case.

What information is needed when applying?

The petition requires comprehensive information, including:

Personal information and history.
Details of the conviction and reason for seeking clemency.
Family background, education, and employment history.
Military service, if applicable.
Record of arrests and convictions.

Additions should be made on separate sheets if the space provided is insufficient.

Can someone with a deportation order apply for clemency?

Yes, individuals under a deportation order or who have deportation proceedings pending against them can still apply for executive clemency. They must disclose their immigration status and any relevant details on the application form.

Do I need an attorney to apply for executive clemency?

While it is not mandatory to have an attorney to apply for executive clemency in New Jersey, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial. An attorney can offer guidance on the application process, help in gathering and presenting supporting materials, and provide advice on the best strategies to improve the chances of a successful petition.

What happens after submitting the petition for executive clemency?

After submission, the petition is reviewed by the New Jersey State Parole Board's Clemency Unit. The review process involves a thorough evaluation of the petition, supporting documents, and possibly, additional research or inquiry. Depending on the findings, the Board may recommend action to the governor, who has the final say. The length of this process can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of petitions received.

Common mistakes

Filling out the New Jersey Executive Clemency form is a critical process, yet common mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays or the outright rejection of an application. Understanding these missteps can significantly increase the chances of a favorable review.

Not answering all questions in full. The instructions clearly require that each question must be comprehensively answered.
Failing to print legibly in ink or typing out the responses. Legibility is crucial for proper assessment of the application.
Omitting additional sheets for extended answers. If the provided space is insufficient, additional sheets should be attached and numbered accordingly to match the questions.
Neglecting to detail all names previously known by. It’s important to list any aliases or previous names for accurate background checks.
Overlooking the requirement to include supporting documents. While not mandatory, supplementing the application with documents like diplomas or proof of employment can be beneficial.
Forgetting to indicate the type of clemency sought. The form specifies the need to check the appropriate box for the kind of executive clemency requested.
Improper representation information. If an attorney or another party represents the applicant, failing to provide their contact information could lead to communication issues.
Inaccurate arrest record details. Not providing detailed and accurate arrest records, when applicable, can seriously impact the review process.

In summary, carefully completing the New Jersey Executive Clemency form, paying close attention to detail, and adhering to the instructions can significantly affect the outcome. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures a smoother process for all parties involved.

Documents used along the form

When an individual submits a New Jersey Executive Clemency form, this important step often necessitates the inclusion of additional forms and documents to support the application. These supplementary materials can significantly contribute to the strength of the petition, providing a comprehensive view of the applicant's background, character, and reasons for seeking clemency. Understanding these additional forms and documents helps ensure a thorough and complete application process.

Letter of Support: Personal letters from friends, family, or community leaders that attest to the character and conduct of the applicant can be pivotal. These letters often provide insight into the individual’s personal growth, contributions to the community, and reasons why clemency would be just and deserved.
Proof of Rehabilitation: Documents that show the applicant’s efforts toward rehabilitation, such as certificates from educational programs, therapy, or substance abuse recovery programs, underline the commitment to positive change.
Employment Records: Current or past employment documentation can indicate the applicant’s ability to contribute to society, showing stability, reliability, and a willingness to maintain a lawful, productive lifestyle.
Character affidavits: Legal statements sworn by individuals who can vouch for the applicant's moral character and reformation can add significant weight to a clemency petition.
Legal Documentation: Copies of the judgment of conviction, previous parole or probation records, and any other legal documents relevant to the case provide a clear, legal context of the individual’s criminal history and current status.
Medical Records: In cases where physical or mental health issues are cited as factors for consideration, official medical records can help substantiate those claims.
Community Service Records: Documentation of voluntary service contributions offers tangible proof of the applicant’s efforts to give back to the community and can demonstrate remorse, responsibility, and personal growth.

Compiling these documents alongside the New Jersey Executive Clemency form can create a well-rounded application that better enables review authorities to assess the applicant's eligibility for clemency. By providing detailed and substantive supporting materials, applicants can significantly improve their chances of a favorable outcome. It's not just about presenting the need for clemency, but about showcasing a comprehensive narrative of change, rehabilitation, and readiness to contribute positively to society.

Similar forms

The New Jersey Executive Clemency form shares similarities with several other official documents used in the legal and governmental fields, each of which is integral to processing different forms of legal requests and personal information. One such document is the US Passport Application. Similar to the clemency form, the passport application requires detailed personal information, proof of citizenship, and identification numbers, ensuring applicants are accurately identified and eligible for what they are applying for.

Another document is the Employment Application forms commonly used by businesses and organizations. These forms, like the clemency request, ask for a comprehensive history of the applicant's employment, including reasons for leaving previous positions, which assists in understanding the individual's work history and reliability, key in assessing character and stability.

The Application for Naturalization, used by individuals seeking citizenship in the United States, bears resemblance to the clemency form as well. It requires detailed personal history, reasons for applying, and character references, much like the information needed to support a clemency petition, highlighting the applicant’s eligibility and moral standing.

Financial Aid Applications for educational purposes also share characteristics with the clemency form. They request detailed personal and financial information to assess eligibility and need, paralleling the clemency application’s need to understand the applicant's background and reasons for their request.

Marriage License Applications are similar in that they require personal details, historical family information, and legal declarations, akin to the clemency form’s need for thorough applicant identification and history to ensure lawful processing.

The Driver’s License Application process aligns with the executive clemency application through its demand for detailed personal information, legal status verification, and history of any legal issues, critical in assessing eligibility and responsibility.

Last, the Professional Licensing Applications for various careers necessitate comprehensive personal history, education, and often a clean legal record, drawing a parallel in the need to evaluate an individual’s background, ethics, and aptitude similar to the clemency form's aim to assess character and eligibility for legal forgiveness.

Each of these documents, while serving different purposes, fundamentally requires a deep dive into an applicant's personal history, character, and backgrounds, akin to the New Jersey Executive Clemency form's purpose to comprehensively understand and consider an individual for legal forgiveness.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the New Jersey Executive Clemency form is a significant step in seeking relief from the consequences of a criminal conviction. It's crucial to approach this process with care and diligence. Here are several dos and don'ts to guide you through the application process:

Do ensure all questions are answered fully and legibly. Whether you're handwriting or typing, clarity is key to ensure that your petition is understood and properly evaluated.
Don't leave any questions unanswered. If you find a question that seems not applicable to you, it's important to indicate this clearly rather than leaving it blank. Ambiguity could delay the process.
Do attach additional sheets if the provided space is insufficient for your answers. Make sure these attachments are clearly labeled and correspond to the correct question numbers to avoid any confusion.
Don't forget to number your answers accordingly when attaching additional sheets. This helps ensure that your application is easy to navigate and review.
Do include supporting documentation that could strengthen your petition, such as diplomas, employment proof, or character letters, even though they are not mandatory.
Don't submit original documents unless specifically requested. Always send copies and keep the originals for your records to prevent any loss of important documents.
Do mail the completed petition to the correct address if you're not confined in a correctional facility, and ensure it's complete and forwarded to the right administrator if you are.
Don't hesitate to seek professional advice. While not required, consulting with an attorney or someone familiar with the clemency process can provide valuable guidance and potentially increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Approaching the clemency process with diligence, patience, and attentiveness to detail will help ensure your petition is reviewed fairly and thoroughly. Remember, the goal of this process is to present a compelling case for why you deserve clemency, so taking the time to carefully prepare your application is of utmost importance.

Misconceptions

When navigating the complexities of applying for executive clemency in New Jersey, it's easy to encounter misunderstandings. Below are seven common misconceptions about the process, clarified for better understanding:

Only with an attorney can you apply: While having legal representation may be beneficial, individuals can apply for executive clemency on their own. The instructions clearly state where and how the form should be submitted, regardless of representation.
Complete documentation is mandatory: Though providing supporting documents such as diplomas or proof of employment can strengthen your petition, it's not a hard requirement. The form specifically mentions that supporting documentation is helpful but not necessary.
Clemency is only for pardons: Many think clemency is synonymous with pardons. However, the application form lists other types of clemency, including remission of fines and commutation of sentences, showing the term encompasses several forms of relief.
Only U.S. citizens can apply: The form requires information about citizenship and immigration status, indicating that non-citizens can and should apply if seeking clemency. This debunks the myth that the process is exclusively for U.S. citizens.
Family information isn't important: The detailed section requesting information about family members, including parents and children, highlights the importance of family context in clemency petitions, contrary to beliefs that it's irrelevant.
Military service doesn’t impact the application: Veterans might overlook the significance of their service. The form asks about military service, discharge status, and related disabilities, indicating these factors can influence the decision-making process.
Arrest records disqualify you: A common misconception is that a history of arrests or convictions automatically disqualifies an applicant. The form requires a detailed record of arrests, implying that each case is reviewed on its own merits, and past legal issues do not outright prevent one from obtaining clemency.

Understanding these points can demystify the process and encourage eligible individuals to apply with confidence, knowing exactly what's expected in the application for executive clemency in New Jersey.

Key takeaways

When applying for executive clemency in New Jersey, every question on the form must be answered fully, and the answers must be legible. The form accepts both handwritten (in ink) and typed submissions.

If the provided space on the form is insufficient, applicants are directed to attach additional sheets. These sheets should have answers numbered to correspond with the form's questions.

Individuals currently in a correctional facility must submit their completed petition to the administrator of that facility. For all other applicants, the petition is to be mailed directly to the New Jersey State Parole Board, specifically to its Clemency Unit.

Supporting documents, while helpful, are not mandatory for the petition. These can include diplomas, transcripts, marriage licenses, proof of employment, or citizenship documents.

Applicants must clearly indicate the type of clemency they are seeking. Options include pardon, remission of fine, commutation of sentence, among others.

Disclosure of all names previously used by the applicant is required.

It's important to thoroughly document one's reason for seeking clemency and articulate why the request should be granted.

The form requires detailed personal information, including date of birth, place of birth, social security number, and, if applicable, immigration details.

Family information, including details concerning parents, siblings, and any dependents, is necessary.

Educational history, employment details, religious affiliation, memberships in social or community organizations, military service, and arrest records are all parts of the application process.

For those with military service, an honorable or other types of discharge must be disclosed, along with any disabilities recognized by the Veteran's Administration.

Any record of arrests and the outcomes of these arrests, including sentences, should be documented carefully. Lack of precision or incomplete information may lead to the rejection of the petition.

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