Commutations

About the Process

A commutation is a sentence reduction granted by the Governor. It does not erase a conviction but allows for an earlier release. Wisconsin has restored this process to offer a second chance to those who have demonstrated true rehabilitation and personal growth while incarcerated.

Necessary Documents

How to Apply

File Yourself (from prison)
Legal Action of Wisconsin
The Remington Center
Milwaukee Justice Center

It is suggested to seek legal help or assistance from free resources, family, or friends, if needed.

To avoid rejection, please ensure every question on the application is answered fully, accurately, and legibly. Review, Review, Review

“For each conviction for which you are seeking commutation, provide certified copies of the following documents with your application.” uncertified copies will not be accepted

Certified copies of the Criminal Complaint, Judgment of Conviction, and Sentencing Transcripts are listed on the application; however, the Governor’s Office will obtain these documents directly through official channels, including the Department of Corrections. You are not required to submit these documents yourself.
Certified Copy of the Information document: This document is not maintained by the Department of Corrections. It is the formal charging document filed by the prosecutor with the court, outlining the official charges and counts against the defendant, and must be obtained from the Clerk of Courts.
Include copies of amended judgments and appellant decisions
Stability: Provide documentation demonstrating your plan for housing and employment upon release.

How Commutations Work: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

STEP 01

Who May Be Eligible?

To be eligible for commutation, you must meet all of the following:
You are currently incarcerated in a correctional institution for a Wisconsin conviction with more than one year remaining on your incarceration term.
You have served at least half of your incarceration term, or at least 20 years of a life sentence.
You are not currently serving an incarceration term for a sex offense and are not required to register as a sex offender, either now or upon release.
You have no unresolved criminal charges or outstanding warrants in any jurisdiction.
You have no incidents of violent misconduct within the last 5 years of your current incarceration term.
You are not seeking a commutation for a conviction of any of the following crimes: – Sexual assault, – Physical abuse of a child, – Sexual exploitation of a child, – Trafficking of a child, – Incest, – Soliciting a child for prostitution.
For consecutive sentences, eligibility is based on the total combined sentence. You must have served at least half of the entire term before applying. In your application, you must also indicate that you are seeking commutation for each of the consecutive sentences.
To qualify as a Juvenile Lifer (JLS), you must meet all of the above requirements and, for the conviction for which you are seeking a JLS commutation, you must have:
Been age 19 or younger at the time of conviction;
Been tried as an adult; and
Received a life sentence, or a sentence of more than 39 years of incarceration.

STEP 02

Preparing for your Commutation & Submission

The key to a strong application is having a clear and organized plan. Decide whether you will request your certified legal documents directly from the courthouse (Clerk of Courts) or work with a legal team that can assist you in preparing your application, either fully or in part.
You will also need to gather supporting materials, including documentation of where you plan to live, potential employment opportunities, and letters from individuals in your support system.
Most importantly, make sure your application is complete, clearly written, and easy to read. Follow all instructions carefully, and attach additional pages if more space is needed.
Be sure to list the case number, county, and date for all arrest records and convictions, including those not included in your commutation request. Provide a brief description of each situation to ensure full transparency and accuracy.
Note: If possible, request two certified copies of your documents from the courthouse. This ensures you have a backup available in case you need to resubmit your application. You will also need to make copies for the Clerk of Courts and District Attorney.

STEP 03

Submission of Notice and Supporting Statement (Required)

For each case in which you are seeking commutation, you must submit a copy of your completed commutation application or a written statement explaining why you believe you deserve commutation.
You are also required to complete the appropriate Notice to District Attorney of Commutation Application form.
Use the General Application Notice for adult cases.
Use the Juvenile Application Notice for juvenile cases.
For each case, you must: Submit a copy of the application or written statement and the completed Notice form to the Clerk of Court in the county where the case was filed.
Submit a copy of the same documents to the District Attorney’s Office for that county.
If you are applying for commutation in multiple cases, you must complete and submit the required Notice form and copies separately for each case and each county.

STEP 04

Process After Application Submission

If you are eligible and your application is complete, the Governor’s Office will conduct a thorough review of your submission. As part of this process, staff will gather additional documents, review relevant records, and complete a comprehensive background check.
You or your representative may be contacted if additional information or supporting materials are needed. The Governor’s Office may also seek input from individuals connected to your case, including the judge, district attorney, defense attorney, and any victims related to the offense(s).
Please be aware that this is a detailed and careful process, and the review may take a year or more to complete.

STEP 05

What to Expect at Public Hearings

The public hearing is your opportunity to present your progress and demonstrate your readiness for release. It is not yet clear whether incarcerated individuals will participate in person, have their cases presented on their behalf, or be given a virtual option.
You should be prepared to speak honestly about your past, take full responsibility, and clearly explain the steps you have taken toward growth and rehabilitation.
It is equally important to present a well-developed release plan, including where you will live, potential employment, your support system, and how you intend to successfully reintegrate into the community.
Be prepared to discuss any plans for volunteering, community service, or accountability efforts, as these demonstrate your commitment to giving back and maintaining positive change.
Approach the hearing with honesty, preparation, and a clear commitment to moving forward. If a majority of the Board members present recommend commutation, your name will then be forwarded to the Governor.

STEP 06

Decisions & Next Steps

A favorable commutation decision can reduce a person’s sentence, creating an opportunity for earlier release from prison or a transition to supervision, or make an individual eligible for parole.
If a commutation is denied, the applicant will receive written reasons for the decision and instructions to reapply after 12 months. While there is no formal appeal process, there is an opportunity to appear again.
Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to supporting individuals and families as they continue moving forward.

Have questions about your specific situation? Let's talk.

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