Crime & Safety
Pardon Granted To Offender Who Committed Crimes In San Mateo County
A judge had issued a certificate of rehabilitation and recommended he be granted a pardon.
SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Gov. Gavin Newsom's office on Wednesday announced that he has granted a pardon to a man who committed his crimes in San Mateo County.
The state Constitution allows for the governor to extend executive clemency in the form of a pardon, commutation or reprieve. According to Newsom's office, the governor bases his decisions on the grantee's self-development and accountability after conviction.
William Velasco was convicted in San Mateo County in 1992 for possession of a controlled substance for sale, and transport of a controlled substance for sale.
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In 2017, a Solano County Superior Court judge granted Velasco a certificate of rehabilitation and recommended he be granted a pardon, which Newsom obliged.
A total of 19 people in the state were given clemency recently by the governor after petitioning for it.
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Receiving a governor's pardon can restore a person's right to vote or run for office, allows someone to sit on a jury, and it can allow them to have a better shot at getting a professional license from a state board, among other things.
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