For Release: August 6, 2009
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Statement of Attorney General Mims
~ On Governor Kaine’s announcement regarding the clemency petitions of Danial Williams, Derek Tice and Joseph Dick ~
RICHMOND – Attorney General Bill Mims released the following statement today regarding Governor Tim Kaine’s conditional pardons of Danial Williams, Derek Tice and Joseph Dick:
“The Constitution of Virginia vests the governor with an extraordinary power, that of executive clemency. This power should be wielded rarely and with great care, since it supersedes the collective judgment of judges and juries.
“The Office of the Attorney General has represented the interests of the Commonwealth and sought justice, as we are bound to do by law, and vigorously defended the multiple convictions of these individuals.
“I have the utmost respect for Governor Kaine and am confident his decision was made with great care.”
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