On Christmas Eve, Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he granted 79 pardons.
The individuals granted pardons all completed their sentences and have been released from custody for more than a decade without further criminal activity.
Among those pardoned were David James Buttke, convicted in Lake County Superior Court in October 1989 for drunk driving causing injury. He served seven months in prison and one year on parole, and was discharged in July 1991.
Also pardoned from the North Coast region were Michael Crutcher, convicted in 1982 in Mendocino County for sale and transportation of marijuana; Larry Krebs, convicted in May 1977 in Napa County for inducing a minor to buy/sell/use marijuana; and Robert Lloyd Nielsen, convicted in Napa County in January 1984 of transportation of a controlled substance.
Individuals who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply to the governor for a pardon.
A gubernatorial pardon may be granted to people who have demonstrated exemplary behavior following their conviction.
A pardon will not be granted unless it has been earned. Obtaining a pardon is a distinct achievement based upon proof of a productive and law-abiding life following conviction.
When a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant.
The pardon is filed with the Secretary of State and Legislature, and is a public record.
Copies of all 79 gubernatorial pardons can be seen below.