Governor Phil Murphy (D) exercised his executive authority and announced that he would provide relief and pardon 93 individuals who suffered from the excesses of the War on Drugs.
This round includes 87 pardons and six commutations, including five commutations of incarcerated persons. Overall, 129 individuals have been granted clemency by the Murphy Administration. Many had charges related to the possession and distribution of a controlled substance. Some of them were likely marijuana-related.
Possession of less than six ounces of marijuana was decriminalized as part of the adult-use cannabis legalization implementation bill CREAMMA. The process to expunge possession cases was launched. But it got bogged down by the great many who wanted to address their records. Murphy recently signed a bill to expedite the expungement process.
Many underground legacy operators have had to deal with felony distribution as well as more complicated charges depending on the situation.
The leading cannabis social justice advocacy group, the Last Prisoner Project, has been supportive of Murphy’s initiative to release prisoners from the War on Drugs.
Ending the Harms of the War on Drugs
“The individuals to whom I have granted clemency today have earned their legal relief. By dedicating themselves to becoming responsible, well-rounded citizens who are passionate about contributing to their communities and society as a whole,” Murphy explained.
“I am deeply grateful to Justin Dews and the Clemency Advisory Board for their steadfast dedication and commitment to ensuring that nobody is left behind by our criminal justice system,” he added. “Granting each of these individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives is truly one of the greatest honors of my time as Governor.”
“As one of the premier states in the nation for criminal justice reform, we have shown that second chances are accessible to those who have successfully rehabilitated their lives,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way.
“Today’s announcement is a remarkable moment for New Jersey,” said Justin Dews, Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board. “The Board and I appreciate how meaningful and necessary restoration and redemption is to many New Jerseyans.”
Giving People a Second Chance
Racha Barlow was one of the individuals who received a pardon. She spoke about her experiences post-incarceration. Barlow was convicted of drug-related offenses in the 80s and 90s when she was a young adult and a weapons-related charge in 2010.
She has achieved and maintained sobriety for the last 15 years. Barlow works for the City of Trenton as a reentry coordinator, helping people with criminal records find jobs and housing.
“Today, I officially retire my state number #14489,” Barlow declared. “When I left prison, I remember telling myself, ‘I’m coming home to help people like me,’” Barlow continued. “Today, by the grace of God, I’m doing just that.”
“As a Reentry Specialist with the City of Trenton, I have helped over 250 returning citizens secure employment opportunities in the last three years,” she added.
Barlow noted she has also written 4 books and performed poetry deliveries.
Social Justice Progress
Over the past seven-plus years, the Murphy Administration has pursued various initiatives to ensure that individuals formerly involved in the criminal justice system have a second chance. Those initiatives included signing legislation banning discriminatory housing practices against justice-involved individuals. They also restored voting rights to over 80,000 citizens on probation or parole and created a petition process for “clean slate” expungements for certain offenders.
Thus, the Murphy Administration has solidified New Jersey’s standing as one of the nation’s more social-justice-minded criminal justice systems.
“Today marks a significant next step in New Jersey’s journey toward a more compassionate and equitable criminal justice practice,” said former NJ Governor, New Jersey Reentry Corporation Executive Director and 2025 Jersey City mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey.
“At New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), daily, we witness the perseverance of court-involved persons as they rebuild their lives,” he added.
“I commend Governor Murphy for his leadership, encouraging ongoing progress through sentencing reform and reentry support,” McGreevey declared.
“We are once again united around the fundamental belief that everyone deserves a chance to be restored and set free from past trauma and mistakes,” said Salvation and Social Justice group Founder Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer. “New Jersey has dropped to historic lows in the prison population under this administration while crime rates have also dropped.”
“We appreciate that Governor Murphy is exercising his clemency powers to address historic inequities in the criminal justice system that disproportionately impact Latinos and other people of color,” Latino Action Network Foundation Executive Director Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz declared.
Serving One’s Time
“The Returning Citizen Support Group supports Governor Murphy’s Clemency initiative. As such, we are committed to supporting the recipients of the Governor’s clemency, including their families. With wraparound services to ensure a successful transition,” said Edwin Ortiz, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Returning Citizens Support Group.
“Your dedication to justice and equity is helping to build a more compassionate and inclusive New Jersey,” said Pastor Steffie Bartley Sr., Northeastern Regional Director, National Action Network.
Making Progress on Clemency and Pardons
In June 2024, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 362. It established a first-of-its-kind in state history Clemency Advisory Board. The Board reviews and recommends individual applications for pardons and commutations to the Governor.
The Executive Order also established categories of applications that would receive expedited review by the Clemency Advisory Board. For example, individuals may receive expedited consideration for pardons for certain non-violent convictions if they remained free and out of trouble.
Other examples of those receiving expedited consideration include individuals serving sentences due to an excessive trial penalty.
The Clemency Advisory Board has received over 2,200 applications for clemency since its establishment in June 2024.
In December 2024, Politico NJ said Murphy had issued far fewer clemencies than former Governors.
Shortly afterward, he issued many pardons related to the War on Drugs and has continued doing so.
