[Executive Report on Pardons, Commutations and Reprieves, 2015] (released Feb. 25, 2016)

Gov. Jerry Brown granted Christmas Eve pardons to 91 convicted criminals including actor Robert Downey Jr., the governor’s office announced.

All of the former convicts (see below) completed their sentences and have been out of custody for more than a decade without further criminal activity, according to a statement.

Most of the 91 individuals committed major felonies including manslaughter, robbery, grand theft auto and burglary. Most drug offenders were convicted for drug dealing (cultivating and/or possessing drugs for sale), not simple possession.

A pardon does not expunge the conviction from the ex-convict’s record and does not allow a person to answer “no” on an employment application when questioned about convictions.

A pardon does allow a former felon to own a firearm – unless his or her offense involved a deadly weapon – and it restores certain other rights such as service on a jury.

A pardoned offense still counts as a prior conviction if the individual reoffends.

Pardons may be granted “to people who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives following their conviction,” Brown’s office said. “Pardons are not granted unless they are earned.”

According to his pardoning document, Downey was sentenced Nov. 6, 1996, in L.A. County Superior Court for “possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle with a prior conviction, driving under the influence with priors, and use or under the influence of a controlled substance. He served two years, eight months probation; one year, three months prison; and two years parole. He was discharged on December 17, 2002, having completed his sentence.”

It said Downey received a court order Oct. 20, 2015, stating that since his release from custody he has “lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen.”

The court proclaimed Downey rehabilitated and recommended him for a full and unconditional pardon, which Brown granted.