Nathaniel Newton, Jr.
Pardon by Donald J. Trump
The Case
Facts on file from the DOJ Office of the Pardon Attorney
- Offense
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana
- District
- Northen District of Texas
- Original Sentence
- 30 months' imprisonment; 36 months' supervised release; $25,000.00 fine (August 15, 2002)
- 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
Nathaniel Newton, Jr. was convicted in the Northern District of Texas of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. On August 15, 2002, he was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment, 36 months' supervised release, and a $25,000 fine.
Pardon Context
A pardon is an act of presidential clemency that forgives a federal offense and restores civil rights such as voting, holding office, and serving on a jury, though the conviction remains part of the recipient's 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.