Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has announced the granting of 172 pardons, bringing the total number of pardons granted during his tenure to 1,436. Evers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear the personal stories of individuals who have worked hard to make amends for their past mistakes and contribute positively to their communities. The pardons restore certain rights lost by individuals convicted of felonies, such as the right to serve on a jury or hold public office. However, a pardon does not expunge court records.
Under Executive Orders #30 and #130, individuals who completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges may apply for a pardon. Those required to register on the sex offender registry are ineligible. The expedited review process established by Executive Order #130 prioritizes applications that meet stricter criteria, including a longer time elapsed since sentence completion and nonviolent offenses.
The list of pardon recipients is available for public viewing. Governor Evers emphasized the positive impact that pardoned individuals are having on their families, communities, and workplaces. He stated that he is honored to play a role in giving these individuals the second chance they deserve. The announcement reflects the governor’s commitment to second chances and criminal justice reform in Wisconsin.
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