COMDTINST 5814.1A — Clemency Board

COMDTINST 5814.1A governs Coast Guard review and disposition of residual clemency petitions and the process for clemency requests.

Search COMDTINST 5814.1A

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 5814.1A
  • Title: CLEMENCY BOARD
  • Date: 2/29/2024
  • Proponent: CG-1M

View COMDTINST 5814.1A on armypubs.army.mil


The publication covers Coast Guard Clemency Board jurisdiction, confined-member reviews, board administration, decision factors, and processing timelines. It requires petitions within 60 days and establishes review and recommendation procedures.

Applies to: It is intended to provide administrative guidance for Coast Guard personnel and is not intended nor does it impose legally binding requirements on any party outside the Coast Guard.

Topics covered

  • Residual clemency petitions
  • Coast Guard Clemency Board jurisdiction
  • Clemency review for confined Coast Guard members
  • Clemency petition deadlines
  • Clemency decision factors
  • Clemency processing timelines

Questions and answers

What is clemency under COMDTINST 5814.1A?

Clemency is action taken under the authority of Reference (a) by duly constituted authority to reduce the amount or severity of a Court-Martial sentence when in the best interest of the Coast Guard and the member. (paragraph 5)

Is clemency a legal right?

Clemency is not a constitutional, statutory, or regulatory right. (paragraph 5)

When will the Coast Guard Clemency Board review a petition?

A CGCB will only review cases when the Coast Guard retains jurisdiction over the case and when a member petitions for clemency in accordance with Paragraph 14 of this Instruction.

When does a confined Coast Guard member receive mandatory clemency review?

Any Coast Guard member whose sentence includes confinement for 12 months or more, and who has not submitted a written waiver of clemency, will receive a mandatory clemency review by the NC&PB.

How long does a member have to submit a clemency petition?

All clemency petitions must be submitted to Commandant (CG-LMJ) by the individual or their counsel within 60-days of the conclusion of the court-martial or appellate review, as appropriate.

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