TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted a pardon for Chung Pham.
In 1993, the Lyon County District court convicted Pham of aggravated battery. He was sentenced to 32 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision.
The decision to grant the pardon was made following independent reviews by the Prisoner Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.
“The decision to grant a pardon is a serious one,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A thorough vetting and review process determines individuals considered for pardons have indeed made amends for their actions and have been consistent in positively contributing to society and to their community. Individuals who have long maintained their law-abiding behavior and positive community impact, have earned the second chance a pardon can provide.”
Governor Kelly takes into consideration numerous factors to determine if a pardon is warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense, impact of the crime on any victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, and contributions to society post-release.
Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency.