California Governor Gavin Newsom has granted pardons to seven ex-convicts who have turned their lives around, his office announced Wednesday.

People who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply to the Governor for a pardon.

The California Constitution gives the Governor the authority to grant clemency. A pardon does not minimize past conduct; it recognizes a person’s subsequent progress and accomplishments. A pardon does not expunge or erase the conviction.

By granting these pardons to people who are transforming their lives, the governor is seeking to remove barriers to employment and public service, restore civic rights and responsibilities and prevent unjust collateral consequences of conviction.

The Governor weighs numerous factors in his review, including the applicant’s self-development and conduct since the offense and whether the grant is consistent with public safety and in the interests of justice. Those granted pardons today all completed their prison sentences years ago.

When a pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are notified so that they may update their records on the applicant. The pardon is filed with the Secretary of State and the Legislature and is a public record.

Copies of the gubernatorial pardons granted Wednesday can be found here.

Additional information on executive clemency can be found here.