To get a pardon, comutation or clemency in Pennsylvania, you must fill out an application. After the application, you must wait to hear if you get a hearing. At the hearing you must get three yes votes to get a recommendation for the pardon or commutation.

In reviewing a case for a pardon, I consider four factors. The first three are: why does the person need a pardon, why does the person deserve a pardon, what has the person done to give back to society.

The fourth factor is the individual’s view of the crime that occurred. The individual can say either that the crime occurred and accept full responcibility for the act, or in the alternative deny the act and have the crime reinvestigated. Obviously, the latter would be exceedingly difficult to show.