The moves were announced Tuesday, Dec. 30, as part of her administration’s ongoing effort to reform the state’s clemency process.
It brings the total number of clemency grants under Hochul to 120 since she took office, according to the governor’s office. The recipients were selected following a review by an independent Clemency Advisory Panel and demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and sustained efforts to improve their lives and communities.
“After thoughtful consideration and analysis by a panel of independent experts, I am granting clemency to 13 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation and improvement in themselves and their communities,” Hochul said.
Pardons Issued To 11 Individuals
The 11 individuals receiving pardons have lived crime-free for decades in most cases—often more than 25 years—and continue to face lasting consequences from convictions despite completing their sentences long ago, Hochul’s office said.
Several pardon recipients no longer live in New York but were convicted of offenses while residing in the state. The pardons are intended to reduce barriers related to employment, housing, and civic participation tied to old convictions.
Those granted pardons include individuals convicted of offenses ranging from robbery and assault to drug- and weapon-related crimes between the mid-1980s and late 1990s.
Two Sentences Commuted
In addition to the pardons, Hochul commuted the sentences of two incarcerated men, allowing them earlier opportunities to appear before the New York State Board of Parole.
Terrance Cole, 59, was convicted of multiple burglary charges in 2014 and sentenced to 20 years to life as a persistent offender. A US Air Force veteran, Cole developed a heroin addiction after his honorable discharge from the military, officials said.
He has served more than 11 years in prison, earned an associate degree while incarcerated, and would not have been eligible for parole until 2034 under his original sentence.
Raphael Jackson, 53, was convicted of two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and sentenced to 16 years to life. He experienced domestic violence and substance exposure at a young age and became addicted to crack cocaine as a teenager, Hochul’s office said.
Jackson has served more than 10 years without disciplinary infractions and has worked as a chaplain’s clerk, paralegal assistant, and law library clerk during his incarceration.
The commutations allow the parole board—not the governor—to determine whether either man is suitable for release.
Clemency Process Reforms
Hochul’s administration has implemented several changes aimed at improving transparency and access in the clemency system, including expanding staff resources, improving communication with applicants, and launching a redesigned online clemency hub with application templates and guidance.
The Executive Clemency Bureau now sends regular status updates to applicants and allows for submission of supplemental materials during the review process, according to the governor’s office.
Hochul said her administration remains committed to balancing fairness, accountability, and public safety while continuing to review clemency applications on a rolling basis.
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