In order to apply for Executive Clemency, the applicant has to contact the Governor's office at 304-558-2000 and request the application for Executive Clemency be sent to him/her. Upon completion of the application, the applicant will return the application to the Governor's office.
The Governor's office then forwards the application for Executive Clemency to the West Virginia Parole Board. The Parole Board then compiles a written report using the following factors; circumstance of the crime, criminal history, employment and educational history, drug and/or alcohol use, institutional conduct, institutional work history, (if applicable), public and official sentiment. Upon completion of the written report, the Parole Board makes a recommendation to the Governor regarding the request for pardon or other clemency.
The power to grant a pardon remains within the absolute discretion of the Governor.