Polis grants full pardons to 27 people in Colorado

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued full, unconditional pardons dated Nov. 12 to 27 people, restoring specified citizenship rights and waiving civil disabilities tied to the convictions listed in the orders.

The orders cover convictions in counties across Colorado from 1975 to 2017, including drug offenses, theft, burglary, trespass and other charges. The recipients are Victor P. Arellano, Richard L. Batdorf II, Timothy C. Cordova, Luis A. Day, Mitchell A. Downing, Daniel M. Emmans, Scott K. Ellison, George G. Soon Fah, Matthew Focht, Craig A. Gipson, Phillip J. Hengemuhle, Ethan W. Hilton, Thomas B. Knowles III, Bruce A. Korum, Daniel R. Kelly, Christina L. Latimore, Yeu Ly, Michael J. Low, Sabrina E. Montoya, Justin D. Mills, DeAnna D. Martinez, Joshua W. Moore, Vanessa J. Peoples, Veronica M. Stewart, Walter D. Spangler, Kelly T. Stovall and Jordan R. Wood. Each order applies to the specific convictions listed for that recipient, the governor’s executive-order compilation shows.

Each order states that the recipient completed the sentence, met the legal conditions for clemency and that a pardon was in the interest of justice. The orders say the pardons restore citizenship rights without conditions, including voting, jury service, holding public office and firearms privileges, and remove civil disabilities and public consequences tied to the pardoned convictions.

A pardon does not automatically erase or seal a criminal record. Colorado law says a pardon waives conviction-based collateral consequences, with exceptions including sentence-related obligations such as restitution, fines and probation; the state’s criminal-history system must note the pardon. People with pardoned convictions may seek a separate court order to seal their records under state law (Title 24).

Colorado Department of Corrections guidance says the Executive Clemency Advisory Board reviews pardon applications and forwards recommendations to the governor (the state’s clemency guidance).