General Information on Board Hearings

Phase I Hearing

The Phase I Hearing is an in-absentia hearing at the Board office. The Board will vote to either deny further action or pass the application to a Phase II hearing.

Phase II Hearing

A Phase II hearing is a personal hearing conducted at a state institution with the inmate in attendance. The Board will vote to either deny further action or recommend a reduction to the Governor. The Governor cannot consider a Commutation of Sentence without a recommendation from the Board. If the Board does recommend a reduction in sentence, the Governor will make the final decision.

Victim’s Rights

As a victim, you or your lawful representative have a right to be present at these hearings or you may submit a written statement for the Board’s consideration. If you choose not to appear or provide a written statement at the Phase I hearing, you may still appear or file such a statement at the Phase II hearing if one is scheduled. The Board genuinely recognizes the difficult situation you have been placed in as a victim of a crime. Your input, either written or verbal, is extremely important to this Board. If you have further questions or if we may be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

Attendance at Hearings/Submission of Documents

If you intend to appear at a hearing, please call us after the 15th day of the month prior to the scheduled month of the hearing, for the specific date and location of the hearing. Although it is preferred that any written statements for the Board’s consideration be submitted to the Board office prior to the scheduled hearing, the Board will accept any documentation that you may wish to present at the time of the hearing.

Americans with Disabilities Act

It is the policy of the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency (ABOEC) to provide equal employment opportunities, with reasonable accommodations when appropriate, to applicants and qualified employees with disabilities. The ABOEC also provides employees and members of the general pubic who have disabilities equal access with reasonable accommodations and auxiliary aids, when appropriate, to enable them to have equal access to ABOEC programs, services and activities.