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California Gov. Jerry Brown issus 104 pardons on Christmas Eve

"I got my second chance, and I won’t blow it," says newly-pardoned perjury offender.

By Matt Bradwell
California Governor Jerry Brown. UPI/Terry Schmitt
California Governor Jerry Brown. UPI/Terry Schmitt | License Photo

SACRAMENTO, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- California Gov. Jerry Brown continued his tradition of granting pardons on Christmas Eve, issuing state forgiveness to 104 convicted offenders, most of whom committed minor drug or other nonviolent offenses.

"It's a second chance," Bay Area native Francois Dominick told the San Francisco Gate. Dominick was was convicted of perjury in 1998 after providing the Santa Clara County DMV with false documents in an attempt to obtain a drivers license.

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"I'm employed and doing the right thing and haven't been in any trouble. I got my second chance, and I won't blow it."

Dominick and his fellow pardoned criminals "demonstrated exemplary behavior and lived productive, law-abiding lives following their conviction" in order to be granted clemency.

Brown initially issued 105 pardons, but rescinded Glen William Carnes', because Carnes recently reached a settlement agreement with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority barring him from investing in the stock market and participating in other long-term financial deals. Carnes' initial conviction was for narcotics possession with intent to distribute. Brown's office says Carnes did not disclose is latest legal troubles, thus negating the considerations that went into his brush with clemency.

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"Information was not disclosed by the applicant and the grant was made based on the certificate of rehabilitation issued by the Superior Court," a spokesperson for Brown said in a statement.

"Without the certificate of rehabilitation, this individual would not have been considered for a pardon. This particular pardon had not been attested by the secretary of state and was subsequently withdrawn."

Since 2011 Brown has issued 510 pardons.

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