The President can commute (reduce) a sentence imposed by a federal court or the District of Columbia Superior Court. Use the commutation application if you are seeking relief from a prison sentence, fine, or restitution. A new version of the commutation application form was published in December 2023; however, if you applied using the old form, and your application is still pending, you do not need to reapply.
See Also
Office of the Pardon Attorney- Download the commutation application instructions and form
- Standards for considering commutation petitions (Justice Manual Section 9-140.113)
- Special instructions pertaining to a request for commutation of a death sentence (https://www.justice.gov/pardon/apply-commutation-death-sentence)
- If you have previously applied for commutation and have received a notice that your application was denied, there is no waiting period to reapply.
Policies
The Office of the Pardon Attorney does not process requests for commutation (reduction) of sentences from persons convicted of offenses in military courts-martial. Military commutation requests are handled by the military branch that handled the conviction and sentencing.
