About the Clemency Initiative:

The New Jersey Constitution gives the Governor the power to grant clemency to individuals who have been convicted of a crime under state law. Clemency could mean that a person receives a pardon or that their criminal sentence is commuted so that it is less severe.

On June 19, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 362 which explains how the Governor will consider clemency applications for the rest of the Murphy Administration. Under the Executive Order, each clemency application will receive individualized consideration, but certain categories of clemency applications are prioritized and expedited for consideration. Read our FAQs for more information on those categories.

The Governor also has established the Clemency Advisory Board to evaluate each clemency application and recommend whether it should be granted. Read more about the Clemency Advisory Board here.

Apply for a Pardon or Commutation

At this time, and through the end of the Administration, we are accepting clemency applications for both potential pardons and commutations of sentence. Though not all applications will be expedited (see the ‘FAQ’ page), anyone can apply, and will receive careful and thorough consideration.

Apply Online

We are now accepting applications electronically through an online portal.

Applicants must register to submit an application online. This registration simply allows the Governor’s Office to track the submission and processing of your application.

Apply by Mail

We continue to accept paper applications via mail as well. Please complete the application form and submit it, along with any supporting documentation, to the below address:

New Jersey State Parole Board
Attn: Clemency Unit
P.O. Box 862
Trenton, NJ 08625

In addition to those applications already in hand, the Governor’s Office anticipates receiving many applications for executive clemency following the announcement of the clemency initiative. Given the volume of applications and the careful consideration the Advisory Board and Governor must give to each application, reviewing all of the applications—and making clemency determinations—will take some time.

Should you have questions about the status of your application, please reach out to [email protected].

Timeframe for reviewing clemency applications

If you have already applied for clemency, there is no need to reapply. Your application remains in the queue for consideration. If you have additional information for the Board and Governor to consider, please send it electronically .

Last Updated: 01/22/25