Ravidath Ragbir
Pardon by Joseph R. Biden Jr.
The Case
Facts on file from the DOJ Office of the Pardon Attorney
- Offense
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud; wire fraud (six counts)
- District
- District of New Jersey
- Original Sentence
- 30 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $350,001 restitution (September 12, 2001)
- 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
Ravidath Ragbir was convicted in the District of New Jersey of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced on September 12, 2001, to 30 months' imprisonment, three years' supervised release, and ordered to pay $350,001 in restitution.
Pardon Context
A pardon is an act of presidential clemency that forgives the offense and restores civil rights, such as voting and firearm ownership, though the conviction remains part of the recipient's criminal history. Unlike a commutation, which reduces a sentence, a pardon addresses the legal consequences and disabilities that flow from the conviction itself. The presidential pardon power under Article II of the Constitution is plenary and requires no judicial review or approval. 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.