What is a Commutation?

Commutation? What the heck is that? What does that mean? How can I take advantage of it? This is not a pardon. A pardon is used when you have completed your sentence. A commutation shortens a sentence you are currently serving. However, there are restrictions. All of this has come into focus as a result of Governor Tony Evers executing an Executive Order (Executive Order #287) on April 3, 2026. At Bucher Law Group, we are ready to guide you through the process. It is complicated and has many exceptions. You do not need a lawyer to submit an application. However, a lawyer may be able to help explain the process and assist in any application.

Who Can Apply?

Some of FAQ’s on this process include who can apply? How do I apply? Am I eligible? What does this mean for my rights? Does it erase the conviction? If I get a commutation, can I possess a firearm? All good questions! What we do know is this: To be eligible, you must CURRENTLY be incarcerated in a Wisconsin correctional institution for a Wisconsin conviction with more than one year remaining of your term of incarceration. You must have served at least one-half of your term of incarceration or, if a life sentence, you have served 20 years. You cannot be currently serving a term of incarceration for a sex offense or be required to register as a sex offender. You may not have any pending charges or outstanding warrants. Additionally, you may not have any incidents of violent misconduct within the last five years of your current term of incarceration.

Am I Eligible?

The following convictions will disqualify you from seeking a commutation: Sexual assault, Physical Abuse of a Child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Trafficking of a Child, Incest, Soliciting a Child for Prostitution. A Commutation Advisory Board has been created with up to 14 individuals, appointed by the Governor and serving at the pleasure of the Governor. There is an application provision and several notice requirements.

How Do I Apply?

This is all new. The application form has not yet been created, nor have there been any appointments to this new Board. Governor Tony Evers is not running for re-election. There will be a new Governor by the end of the year. The new Governor may choose to utilize this new Board and the process that has been created, or may just ignore it. As you may recall, Governor Scott Walker never utilized the Pardon Advisory Board. Governor Evers did and granted numerous pardons. The future will tell. At Bucher Law Group, LLC we can guide you through this new process. It will be labor-intensive and many documents will have to be obtained. Similar to the pardon application. I’m sure additional information will be forthcoming.