Hollywood Actor Seeks Pardon for Massachusetts Felony Convictions in 1988

According to the Executive Clemency Guidelines issued by Governor Deval L. Patrick earlier this year, “The grant of executive clemency is primarily to remove barriers often associated with a criminal record or sentence, therefore facilitating the reintegration of the petitioner into the community of the law abiding… [It] is warranted only in rare and exceptional circumstances.” Forty-three-year-old, Massachusetts-born actor Mark Wahlberg (known during his music career as “Marky Mark”) is seeking a gubernatorial pardon for crimes he committed in the late 1980s, hoping the Governor agrees with him that his circumstances are, in fact, exceptional.

Walhburg’s petition to the governor seeks relief from several crimes, including two counts of assault and battery by a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and criminal contempt. At the time he committed the crimes, the actor was 16 years old and, he now says, under the influence of both narcotics and alcohol. Although he was a minor at the time, he was tried and convicted as an adult.

The Actor’s Reasons for Seeking a Pardon

He claims that, after serving a portion of his sentence and being let out on probation, he turned his life around. He did, however, admit to being arrested for boating under the influence in 1996 but said that the charges were dropped by a court in California.Wahlberg is seeking a full and unconditional pardon for his crimes, since, among other reasons, he aspires to work with troubled youth. He avers that only a full and unconditional pardon will allow him to, “for example,” become a probation or parole officer or hold a concessionaire’s license in California. (In addition to music and acting, Wahlberg is also in the restaurant business.)

Over Seventy Requests for Relief Have Been Filed So Far

Although dozens of petitions for pardons have flooded the desk of the outgoing governor, it remains to be seen whether any requests for relief – including Wahlberg’s – will actually be granted. To date, Governor Patrick has not issued any pardons, nor did his predecessor, Governor Mitt Romney. The last pardon to be granted was in 2002 by then-Governor Jane Swift.

Now that Walburg has filed his petition, he will have to wait on review by the Massachusetts Parole Board. If the parole board determines that Walhberg’s petition warrants a hearing, Wahlberg will be granted a public hearing. After the hearing, the board will make a recommendation to the governor, who in turn will decide whether to send the petition on to the Governor’s Council. The council will make the ultimate determination as to whether to grant Wahlberg’s petition for a full pardon. Before making a final decision, it is possible that the council will also hold a public hearing on the matter to hear Wahlberg’s arguments in person.

How to Get Help if You’ve Been Accused of a Crime

Criminal convictions can have lasting effects on a person’s life, and relief is hard to come by once a judgment is entered. The Law Office of John C. Manoog, III can help you if you or a family member is facing criminal charges. We handle both felony and misdemeanor charges and can help you sort through the facts, the police reports, and the formal charges against you as we prepare to work your case towards a favorable resolution. Our criminal defense team has both the negotiation skills necessary to work with law enforcement and the litigation skills to take your case before a judge and jury, if that is what is required to protect your rights. Call us at (888) 262-6664 to schedule an appointment.

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