Felons take their case to governor

More than 100 felons ask Gov. Jeb Bush and the Cabinet to restore their rights. About half of them get their wish.

TAMARA LUSH- Published June 18, 2004

[...] Here's how it works: Felons who are released from prison or finish probation or parole can apply to have their civil rights restored. Some felons can have their rights restored automatically.

But those convicted of serious offenses such as drug trafficking, sex crimes, battery or DUI manslaughter must request a hearing before the Clemency Board.

The governor and the Cabinet - the agriculture commissioner, the state's chief financial officer and the attorney general - review the cases. The governor wields the most power under the state constitution: He can make decisions unilaterally regarding pardons and restoration of civil rights.

Which could be why, at Thursday's meeting, the governor's questions were more akin to a probation officer than the top politician of the nation's fourth largest state.

"You still drinking?" Bush asked one applicant, who answered no.

"I would urge you to stay sober," Bush said, before restoring the man's rights.

One man - the former mayor of a small, Brevard County community convicted of cocaine charges - was crying so much he was barely able to speak.

"I made very poor life decisions," Todd Deratany said. "I'm very sorry."

The state's executive clemency laws have remained virtually unchanged since 1868, when Florida lawmakers put the rules in place to deter ex-slaves from voting.

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