Commutation of Sentence

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. 

Apply for commutation (English)

Solicita la conmutación (Español)

Resources

• 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.
• 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.