NY Gov. Cuomo to seek out and pardon thousands of youthful offenders. [View all]

[pnwmom]

Every governor should follow his example. But I think he should do it after a much shorter period of time -- maybe 5 years.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/nyregion/cuomo-moves-to-pardon-former-youthful-offenders.html?smid=nytcore-ipad-share&smprod=nytcore-ipad

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York said on Sunday that he would seek out and pardon thousands of people who were convicted of nonviolent crimes as teenagers but have since led law-abiding lives.

Envisioned as a way to remove stubborn barriers to employment, housing and other services, the pardons would be available to anyone who was found guilty of a nonviolent felony or misdemeanor that was committed while they were 16 or 17, provided they have spent at least a decade without any additional convictions. Under his plan, Mr. Cuomo intends to invite those people to apply for — and virtually be assured of receiving — a governor’s pardon, as long as they meet several other criteria.

In a phone interview, Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, said his plan would provide second chances to generations of once-youthful offenders who had long since abandoned their criminal lives but continue to be dogged by their criminal pasts.

“It’s a way to help people get on with their life,” said Mr. Cuomo, adding that his plan would act as a reward for good behavior and a chance at redemption. “When you’re young you can make a mistake, and maybe you don’t have to carry the burden for your entire life.”