Evers Grants 14 Wisconsin Commutations, First Since 1995

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers granted commutations to 14 people serving prison sentences, the state’s first such grants since 1995, after restoring the process earlier this year. The Commutation Advisory Board reviewed 24 applications in public hearings and recommended 14; Evers denied the other 10 based on factors including rehabilitation, prison conduct, effects on victims and public safety. Commutations can reduce time in prison or supervision or make recipients eligible for parole or supervised release sooner, but do not automatically mean release. The cases included homicide, armed robbery, drug offenses, burglary and arson, and more than half involved crimes committed as teenagers. Michael Maldonado, sentenced to life for a murder-for-hire committed when he was 15, received a commutation; later evidence indicated he was not the shooter. Amanda Weaver’s commutation allows her release from confinement followed by extended supervision.