Looking for a better life? Qualified candidates may submit pardon requests to the review board
April 2 (Hagåtña) — In line with the Governor’s promise in his State of the Island Address to help give people a second chance, the administration is putting a call out to those who have paid their debt to society.
The Governor, in his State of the Island speech, reached out to those whose criminal histories have kept them from getting jobs.
“I’m going to make this offer, on a case-by-case basis to residents who have a criminal record, have served their sentence, and who are not guilty of sex crimes, murder, domestic violence, or aggravated assault,” the Governor stated.
The objective of the program is to take those who have turned their lives around, are no longer a threat to society, and wipe their record clean so that they can secure jobs, provide for their families, and contribute to the community.
If you or someone you know is interested in the Second Chance initiative, please see the criteria and process below:
Criteria:
You have served time for your conviction.
You have not been convicted of crimes to include murder, sex crimes, domestic violence, or aggravated assault.
You must demonstrate that you are employed in good standing or have actively sought employment since your release.
You must agree to a voluntary drug test at your expense prior to your hearing.
Process:
Submit a letter, no longer than two pages, addressed to the Governor requesting a pardon. The letter should include:
The crime you were convicted of and the sentence.
The time or sentence serviced.
The date of your release.
Your employment history. If you are unemployed, you must demonstrate in your letter that you have actively sought employment.
The reason you are requesting a pardon and are not a threat to the community.
Your letter should be accompanied by two letters of support from family members or members of the public.
Your letter will be reviewed by the Pardon Review Board.
If the Pardon Review Board believes you are a candidate for this program, they will schedule a hearing.
On the day of your hearing, you may be required to testify on how you have turned your life around. You may ask others to testify on your behalf as well.
Based on their review of your application and hearing, the board will either decline your request or make a recommendation to the Governor to pardon you.
If the Board makes a recommendation to pardon you, you will be interviewed by the Governor or his representative for a final decision.
Requests should be sent to Parole Services of the Department of Corrections at pardon@guam.gov. For more information contact Mike Quinata at 735-4133/4.
