DOJ Tweaks Form for Begging to Shorten Prison Sentences
Published Date: 9/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney is updating its form for people asking to shorten their prison sentences. They want your feedback on how easy the form is to use and how much time it takes to fill out. Comments are open for 30 days, and this update aims to make the process smoother and less time-consuming for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Revised Commutation Form to Reduce Burden
If you are applying for a commutation of sentence, the Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney is revising the Petition for Commutation of Sentence form and is asking for public feedback. The agency says the update aims to make the process smoother and less time-consuming; comments are being accepted for 30 days after the Federal Register publication.
Estimated Filing Burden and Volume
The Office estimates 5,000 to 6,000 commutation applicants will file the form each year, that each response takes about 2 hours, and the total annual time burden will be 10,000 to 12,000 hours. Filing the form is voluntary and the notice states total annual other costs are $0.
Information Sharing for Background Checks
Information you provide on the petition will be used to verify your identity, to investigate your background and criminal record, and to ensure notification to the Bureau of Prisons, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Attorneys' Offices, U.S. Probation Offices, and federal courts if clemency is granted.
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