Don Leonard Scott, Jr.
Pardon by Joseph R. Biden Jr.
The Case
Facts on file from the DOJ Office of the Pardon Attorney
- Offense
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute (crack cocaine) controlled substance
- District
- Southern District of Alabama
- Original Sentence
- 120 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 12, 1994)
- Clemency Type
- Pardon — full forgiveness, restores civil rights
Case Overview & Context
Plain-English summary of the case and the legal context for this type of clemency
Case Overview
Don Leonard Scott, Jr. was convicted in the Southern District of Alabama of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was sentenced on October 12, 1994, to 120 months (10 years) in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Pardon Context
A pardon is an act of presidential forgiveness that removes legal penalties and restores civil rights such as voting, serving on a jury, and holding public office, though the conviction itself remains part of the historical record. Under Article II of the Constitution, the presidential pardon power is absolute for federal offenses and requires no judicial review or approval from other branches of government. The president's personal reasoning for this specific grant is not publicly documented.
AI-generated summary based on public clemency records. The president's specific personal reasoning for this grant is not publicly documented.
Constitutional authority: Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the President “Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States.” This power is absolute for federal crimes — Congress cannot override it, and no judicial review is required. The president is not required to publish reasons for individual grants.