Years since conviction show life can be turned around

Franklin Brown of Boyd has reason to rejoice today. The resident of Boyd was just 19 when he pleaded Guilty/No Contest to Burglary – Building or Dwelling (a Class F felony), being granted a pardon by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers along with 17 others. Brown had to pay restitution for the burglary and was discharged from jail in 2007, being granted Huber work privileges while incarcerated. Whereas a felony disqualifies the offender from their right to vote, these are restored through a pardon, along with dispensing the one awarded such a pardon from other legal disabilities suffered as a result of his/her conviction. Pardons are only granted if an offender has served their sentence and meets other criteria under the program by Governor Evers.

As to the practice of pardons more generally, meanwhile, Evers began the practice of granting pardons upon becoming Governor, as a way of highlighting the possibility of redemption. Since the felony of 15 years ago, Brown has gone on to hold steady employment and become a contributing member of society. In addition, he has satisfied all court costs, the Governor thereby deeming him worthy of a second chance as a result of a changed life.