By California Governor Gavin Newsom announced 10 Amnesty On Dec. 23, including at least two cases stemming from cannabis-related charges. Some of the charges are decades old, with one of them dating back to his 1973. The amnesty list includes some of the ways people have changed their lives since being convicted.
The governor recognized that some systems have been put in place that, in the big picture, are “counterproductive” to public safety. A conviction can haunt a person’s life leading to deportation, permanent family separation, or other consequences.
“The California Constitution gives the governor the power to pardon,” Newsom said. Announcement read. “Governors view amnesty as an important part of the criminal justice system, encouraging accountability and rehabilitation, and enhancing public safety by removing counterproductive barriers to successful re-entry. A pardon can also remove unjust collateral consequences of a conviction, such as deportation or permanent family separation.
An amnesty does not excuse or minimize the damage caused by the crime. Instead, these pardons recognize the self-development and rehabilitation of pardon recipients since then. ”
In his announcement, the governor noted how victims of crime are taken into account when making these decisions. “The Governor’s Office encourages victims, survivors and witnesses to register. CDCR Victim and Survivor Rights and Services Office Receiving information about the status of prisoners.The secretariat is also posted More General Information About Victim Services.
Amnesty contains information about how people made changes. Some on the list even went to substance abuse and other types of counseling. Here are the 10 people who have been pardoned by the governor.
- John Berger was convicted of transporting a controlled substance in 1995. Berger now works to support other people’s drinking.
- Lucas Beltran Dominguez was convicted in 2008 of transporting or selling cannabis and possessing cannabis for sale. Dominguez is now the father of seven children and an active member of his church.
- Michael Farrier was convicted of first and second degree robbery in 1990.
- Kimberly Gregorio was convicted in 1988 of possession of a controlled substance for sale and obstruction of a police officer.
- James King III was convicted of selling cocaine in 1988.
- Santiago Lopez was convicted of possession of cannabis for sale in 2000, possession of cannabis for sale in 2004, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of cannabis for sale in 2001. Lopez is now a facilities manager at his church and also a counselor to his peers.
- Kenneth Lyerly was convicted in 2004 of possession of a controlled substance for sale.
- Jimmy Plato was convicted of trespassing in 1973 and possession of a controlled substance for sale in 1978.
- Julie Ruehle was convicted in two cases in 1999.
- Kathy Uetz, convicted in 1991 of possession of a controlled substance and in 1997 of possession of a controlled substance for sale. Uetz said she volunteered more than 5,000 hours with community emergency response teams.
To date, Governor Newsom has granted a total of 140 pardons, 123 commutations, and 35 pardons during his tenure.
Similar efforts are being made in the governor’s office. Newsom will also sign legislation into law in September 2022 to create alternative petition options for individuals facing certain drug convictions. The “alternative answer statute” allows prosecutors to file pollution pleas against some defendants charged with drug-related crimes. Under the law, prosecutors can make indecent allegations at their discretion.
