Many prisoners have had their sentences commuted in the last few years. And there are literally thousands of applications pending at the Governor’s office right now. If your loved one has submitted one, you’ve probably wondered why it hasn’t been reviewed, considered, or even granted when others who applied after them were granted, and have even been paroled by now. First, understand that the actual clemency application (for commutation of sentence) is only a few pages, howev

1/13/2022—Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has granted 24 pardons, 18 commutations and 5 reprieves. The Governor regards clemency as an important part of the criminal justice system that can incentivize accountability and rehabilitation, increase public safety by removing counterproductive barriers to successful reentry, correct unjust results in the legal system and address the health needs of incarcerated people with high medical risks. The California Constitut

People v. Langi Docket: A160262 (First Appellate District), Opinion Date: January 12, 2022. In 2007, Langi was convicted of the second-degree murder of Martinez. Langi was one of four men who beat and robbed a group that included Martinez, who died after someone in Langi’s group punched him, causing him to fall and hit his head. Langi’s Penal Code section 1170.95 resentencing petition was filed before the 2021 amendment, which authorizes resentencing of persons convicted of m

People v. Porter Docket: F080921 (Fifth Appellate District), Opinion Date: January 6, 2022. Porter was driving a getaway car following the 2008 robbery of a gas station convenience store. When the car was stopped by California Highway Patrol officers, Porter’s passenger shot at the officers. The passenger was apprehended. Porter turned himself in. Porter was convicted on two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life with

People v. Turner Docket: A159822 (First Appellate District), Opinion Date: December 23, 2021. Turner was charged with committing two...

Walcott v. Garland Docket: 18-70393, Opinion Date: December 22, 2021. The Ninth Circuit granted the petition for review of the BIA's...

12/17/2021—The Committee on Revision of the Penal Code says tough sentencing laws have done little for public safety while driving up...

Blakes v. Super. Ct. Court: California Courts of Appeal, Docket: C093856 (Third Appellate District), Opinion Date: December 16, 2021....

California v. Benzler Docket: C092779 (Third Appellate District), Opinion Date: December 14, 2021. Defendant Allen Benzler was sentenced...

People v. Superior Court (Jones) Court: Supreme Court of California, Docket: S255826, Opinion Date: December 2, 2021.The Supreme Court...

Following a parole consideration hearing resulting in a denial of parole or a stipulation of unsuitability, the prisoner may file a BPH...

California v. Lewis Docket: G060049 (Fourth Appellate District), Opinion Date: November 30, 2021. Rodney Lewis appealed after a jury...

California v. Ervin Docket: G059731 (Fourth Appellate District), Opinion Date: November 30, 2021. In 1991, petitioner Nokkuwa Ervin and...

People v. Montes Docket: B312152 (Second Appellate District), Opinion Date: November 23, 2021. Defendant was convicted of two counts of...

11/23/2021—The Supreme Court granted Governor Gavin Newsom request to commute a 25 years to life sentence for robbery as a third strike....

People v. Fisher Docket: A161128 (First Appellate District), Opinion Date: November 16, 2021. Fisher was stopped for reckless driving and...