The Fayetteville Observer's "Live Wire" column is usually pretty pedestrian.
In recent weeks, columnist Catherine Pritchard has answered readers' questions such as: Are there any home schooling groups in town? How quickly do you have to roll in your trash can? and Where can I buy ethanol for my new car?
But a question from Saturday's column stands out:
Q: Who would you need to contact or how would you go about receiving a pardon from the governor? — A.K., Fayetteville
Good question, A.K. What a crazy week! M.N. in Raleigh and A.M. in Chapin, S.C., were wondering about the exact same thing. The answer is here. Don't get your hopes up, though, the guv's only given out four pardons so far!
Note to readers J.B. in Matthews; M.D. in Walkertown; and K.G. in St. Augustine, Fla.; we'll answer your questions about federal pardons next week. Keep reading!
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Re: Innocent question
Here is the constitutional provision:
Article III, Section 5
"(6) Clemency. The Governor may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, after conviction, for all offenses (except in cases of impeachment), upon such conditions as he may think proper, subject to regulations prescribed by law relative to the manner of applying for pardons. The terms reprieves, commutations, and pardons shall not include paroles."
You are correct, unlike the federal, the Governor may not act until conviction.