Wisconsin Clemency Application Document Checklist and Preparation Guide

Introduction

The Wisconsin clemency application process is fundamentally a documentation and rehabilitation review process. Successful applications are typically supported by organized records, supporting documentation, and evidence of rehabilitation.

1. Basic Identification Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Full legal name
• Prior names or aliases
• Date of birth
• Current address
• Telephone number
• Email address

Recommended documents:

• Wisconsin driver's license or state identification card
• Proof of current address

2. Criminal Case Information

For each conviction, gather:

• County of conviction
• Case number
• Offense(s) of conviction
• Date of conviction
• Sentence imposed
• Date sentence completed

Recommended documents:

• Judgment of Conviction
• Criminal Complaint
• Information or Amended Information
• Sentencing Orders
• Revocation records, if applicable

3. Sentence Completion Documentation

Applicants should gather records establishing completion of all sentence components, including incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision. Recommended documents:

• Certificate of Discharge
• DOC discharge records
• Probation discharge records
• Extended supervision discharge records

4. Employment History

Gather documentation showing stable employment and work history. Recommended documents:

• Resume
• Employer verification letters
• Pay stubs
• W-2 forms

5. Education and Training

Educational achievement may demonstrate rehabilitation and personal growth. Recommended documents:

• GED or high school diploma
• College transcripts
• Trade certifications
• Professional licenses
• Apprenticeship records

6. Rehabilitation Documentation

Gather records reflecting treatment, counseling, and rehabilitative programming. Examples:

• AODA treatment completion records
• Mental health treatment records
• Anger management completion certificates
• Domestic violence programming records

7. Community Involvement

Community service and civic participation may strengthen an application. Recommended documentation:

• Volunteer records
• Letters from clergy
• Certificates of recognition
• Community service records

8. Character References

Strong applications often include letters from:

• Employers
• Business owners
• Clergy
• Community leaders
• Professional colleagues

Letters should describe the applicant's character, rehabilitation, and contributions to the community.

9. Demonstrated Need for a Pardon

Applicants should identify a specific reason for seeking clemency. Examples include:

• Employment barriers
• Professional licensing restrictions
• Housing barriers
• Volunteer opportunities
• Firearm rights restoration

Supporting documentation should be obtained whenever possible.

10. Personal Narrative

The personal statement should address:

• What happened.
• Acceptance of responsibility.
• What has been learned.
• Evidence of rehabilitation.
• Why clemency is appropriate now.

Paper Chasers Clemency Intake Checklist

Required:

• Photo identification
• Address verification
• Case numbers
• Judgments of conviction
• Sentence discharge records
• Employment history
• Education history
• Character references
• Personal statement

Strongly Recommended:

• Treatment records
• Volunteer documentation
• Professional licenses
• Awards and certificates
• Employer recommendation letters
• Community support letters

Optional but Helpful:

• Military records
• Business ownership documents
• Newspaper articles
• Civic involvement records
• Documentation showing specific need for clemency

Selected Authorities

• Wis. Const. art. V, § 6.
• Exec. Order No. 30 (Wis. Mar. 13, 2019).
• Exec. Order No. 130 (Wis. Sept. 14, 2021).
• Wisconsin Office of the Governor, Pardon Information.
• Wisconsin Office of the Governor, Commutation Information.