On November 10, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy announced his fourth round of executive clemency actions, granting 29 pardons and 19 commutations to individuals across New Jersey who have shown accountability, growth, and long-term rehabilitation. With this round, the Murphy Administration has now granted 217 pardons and commutations—a historic milestone that continues to define New Jersey as The State for Second Chances.

Among those granted full pardons were three clients represented by National Security Law Firm (NSLF). For privacy, we refer to them as “John,” “Daniel,” and “Marina.” Each of them rebuilt their lives after old convictions and met the clemency criteria established under Executive Order 362 through years of discipline, stability, and positive community engagement.

We are proud to have represented each of them and honored to have secured these life-changing results.

Three Second Chances: NSLF Clients “John,” “Daniel,” and “Marina”

“John” — Two Decades of Personal Growth After a 2006 Conviction

“John” (formerly listed publicly as S.B.) was convicted in 2006 of two counts of distributing a controlled dangerous substance. At the time, he was young, unstable, and struggling without support. For nearly 20 years since that sentence, he has lived a completely law-abiding life defined by:

  • steady employment,

  • a deep commitment to family,

  • long-term sobriety,

  • stable housing, and

  • consistent community responsibility.

His transformation is undeniable. Governor Murphy’s pardon lifts a burden that has blocked opportunities for nearly two decades and recognizes the man he is—not the choices he made as a young adult.

“Daniel” — More Than 30 Years of Rehabilitation, Stability, and Hard Work

“Daniel” (formerly listed as Carlos Restrepo) was convicted of a controlled substance–related offense in 1991. For more than three decades since, he has earned a quiet but powerful record of rehabilitation.

His petition demonstrated:

  • decades without any criminal-justice involvement,

  • committed full-time employment,

  • stable housing and family support,

  • responsible parenting,

  • and full reintegration as a productive New Jersey resident.

Daniel’s decades of clean conduct reflect one of the strongest possible clemency profiles. His pardon will allow him to pursue new employment pathways and remove collateral consequences that no longer reflect his character or life today.

“Marina” — Twenty-Five Years of Stability After a 1995 Conviction

“Marina” (formerly listed as Odalys Pozo) received a 1995 conviction for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone. Since that time, she has led a long, consistent, and law-abiding life in New Jersey.

Her petition highlighted:

  • 25+ years without any new offenses,

  • continuous work history,

  • caregiving and family support responsibilities,

  • strong community ties,

  • and a sustained record of personal accountability.

Her pardon clears barriers that have limited her opportunities for almost three decades and restores a sense of dignity and recognition she long deserved.

New Jersey’s Clemency Initiative: A National Model for Second Chances

Governor Murphy’s clemency actions operate under Executive Order 362, which created the state’s first Clemency Advisory Board. The Board reviews applications, gathers victim input, and identifies cases where clemency aligns with:

  • long periods of crime-free conduct,

  • non-violent offenses with substantial rehabilitation,

  • excessive trial penalties,

  • survivors of domestic or sexual violence whose circumstances influenced their actions.

More than 4,500 clemency applications have now been reviewed. This structured, trauma-informed process is one of the most robust in the nation.

As Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board, stated:

“Redemption is a cornerstone of true justice. Each restored life represents renewed hope for families, neighborhoods, and the future of our state.”

What These Pardons Mean for Our Clients

For “John,” “Daniel,” and “Marina,” their pardons are more than legal relief—they are a return to opportunity and humanity.

Their pardons allow them to:

  • apply for jobs without outdated conviction barriers,

  • qualify for occupational licenses,

  • pursue education and training without stigma,

  • improve long-term financial stability,

  • and rebuild their futures free from the shadow of their past.

These are not small victories—they are life-changing.

NSLF’s Commitment to Clemency Representation

National Security Law Firm is proud to stand at the forefront of clemency representation in New Jersey. Our work includes:

  • crafting detailed narratives aligned with Executive Order 362 standards,

  • gathering decades of rehabilitation evidence,

  • preparing trauma-informed and mitigation-based arguments,

  • organizing letters of support and employment records,

  • ensuring clients are fully and fairly presented to the Clemency Advisory Board.

We treat clemency as both a legal and a human process. Every petition is built with precision, dignity, and deep respect for the client’s journey.

A Powerful Reminder That Redemption Is Real

Governor Murphy’s fourth round of clemency actions—pardon by pardon—continues to show that justice includes mercy, rehabilitation, and the ability to begin again.

We congratulate “John,” “Daniel,” and “Marina” on this extraordinary milestone and are honored to have walked beside them through this process.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.