Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles grants absolute pardons to applicants who appeared; one matter continued

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles on Dec. 3 heard dozens of pardon applicants in a virtual session and voted to grant absolute pardons for the applicants who appeared today. Chair Jennifer Medina Zaccagnini presided over the hearing and said the board evaluates the seriousness of an offense, victim impact, time elapsed and efforts at rehabilitation when considering pardons.

The board opened the session with procedural instructions from hearing coordinator Parole Officer Ferraro, who cautioned applicants that any pardons granted at the hearing are tentative pending final record checks by the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification and that certificates will be mailed after records are cleared. Applicants were sworn before presenting statements or answering members’ questions.

Applicants who spoke described varied paths to the hearings: long-term sobriety and participation in recovery programs; completion of probation and court-ordered classes; steady employment; volunteer work mentoring youth; caregiving responsibilities; and efforts to regain licensure or employment…