MADISON, Wis. — A dozen people serving prison time in Wisconsin are scheduled to have their cases heard Friday as Gov. Tony Evers’ Commutation Advisory Board begins considering requests for reduced sentences.
The hearings come after Evers announced in April that Wisconsin would restart its commutation process. Since then, over 800 people have applied for commutations, according to records released by the governor’s office.
The board will hear 12 cases Friday.
A commutation differs from a pardon. While applicants for a governor’s pardon must have completed their entire sentence, a commutation can shorten a sentence someone is currently serving, potentially making a person eligible for an earlier release from prison.
The board can review applications and make recommendations, but the final decision rests with Governor Evers.
Republican State Sen. Van Wanggaard has criticized the process, arguing the public should have more information about those seeking commutations and pointing to opposition from prosecutors in several of the cases being considered.
Friday’s hearings are scheduled in two sessions, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
