LANSING, MI — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she has granted several requests for clemency.
Last week, the Governor commuted sentences for five people.
Darrell Phillips, one of those individuals, was sentenced to 35-60 years in prison for armed robbery in Saginaw County. He was sentenced on October 22, 2001.
A commutation reduces an individual’s sentence to a specific term, making them eligible for parole consideration and subsequent release in accordance with state law, but it does not overturn the original conviction.
To obtain a pardon or commutation, an individual must submit an application to the Michigan Parole Board. The parole board reviews the applications on a case by case basis. Once an application meets the criteria for recommendation, it is forwarded to the governor’s office for review and final decision.
“As a former prosecutor, I am focused on protecting public safety, reducing crime, and building a stronger, smarter criminal justice system,” the governor said.
“I’m proud of our bipartisan efforts to help hundreds of thousands of Michiganders convicted of nonviolent, low-level crimes receive a second chance and reduce crime statewide.
Today, we continue that work by granting clemency to eight Michiganders who have accepted responsibility for their actions. Let’s keep working together to create a justice system that treats all Michigan residents equally.”
