Fallin Commutes 21 Nonviolent Offenders

Over the past few years, Oklahoma has passed criminal justice reform measures for crimes which used to have prison sentences. On Wednesday, Governor Fallin commuted the sentences of 21 nonviolent offenders who, if they were convicted today, would not face prison time. Those offenders were to be incarcerated for ten years or more.

Those 21 offenders had to make it through a three-stage process which includes a favorable vote from a simple majority of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. However, the final decision is in the Governor’s hands.

“Before these applications could get to my desk, they had to pass a rigorous review process at the Pardon and Parole Board,” said Fallin. “Not a lot of commutations reach my desk, but when I receive commutations, I give them another independent, rigorous review. I have reviewed all of these applications carefully, with the public safety of our citizens a key consideration.

“Based on the will of the voters and legislators, plus my thorough review of these cases, I cannot think of any reason why these 21 people should remain in prison. It’s not good policy and it’s not good for Oklahoma. That’s why I commuted these 21 people to time served and am sending them home for the holidays. It’s time for them to come home.”

During her time in office, Fallin has signed 17 criminal justice reform bills. Voters also passed criminal justice reforms contained in State Questions 780 and 781.

“Oklahoma has become a destructive felony factory, but courageous, wise actions like Governor Fallin took today show times are changing,” said Gene Rainbolt, founder and chairman emeritus of BancFirst and board member of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. “For too long we have locked up Oklahomans instead of giving them the help they need to overcome their addiction and get good jobs to help grow our state’s economy. Governor Fallin and the Pardon and Parole Board have shown leadership and laid the groundwork for legislators to move swiftly to make State Question 780 retroactive next session. Oklahoma shouldn’t waste any more time and funding on out-of-date mass incarceration that does not contribute to public safety.”

Stephanie Horten, director of the Criminal Justice Collaborative at Family & Children’s Services, said: “We know that robust reentry plans for these individuals will be critical to their success, which is why Family & Children’s Services worked side-by-side with Resonance Center for Women and many other nonprofits to ensure support is built around these applicants so they know we believe in them and that they are not alone in this next phase of their lives.  “We are thrilled Governor Fallin chose today to reunite families, especially in time for the holidays, and we remain dedicated to supporting families and children impacted by the criminal justice system.”

The 21 offenders were released on Wednesday.

 

Governor Fallin speaks before commuting the sentences of 21 non-violent offenders.


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