Governor Jerry Brown announced Saturday that he has granted 132 pardons and 19 commutations.
Anyone who has been convicted of a crime in the state of California may apply for a Governor pardon. The ones that were granted had all completed their sentences. A majority of them were drug-related, or other non-violent crimes.
Pardons may be granted to people who have "demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction."
Eligible people must obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation from a superior court. That certificate declares that the person who was convicted of a crime is now rehabilitated.
One of the pardoned individuals had the requirement waived, as they are a refugee who is currently detained as part of a federal immigration proceeding.
After a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are alerted and the records are updated.
Every pardon is made public record.
The 19 commutations were granted to current inmates, who petitioned to have their sentence reduced.
A majority of the inmates granted commutation will be given the chance to make their case before the Board of Parole Hearings. That board will then determine whether the inmate is ready to be released from prison or not.