Gov. Brown Pardons 127 Convicted Felons

On the eve of Christmas, Governor Jerry Brown pardoned 127 convicted fellons.

To be pardoned, those individuals needed to have completed their sentences and been out of custody for more than a decade.

Pardons are granted when someone convicted of crime has demonstrated exemplary behavior and recieved a certificate of rehabilitation.  Former Sheriff and KFBK host John McGinnis, however, doesn't believe that's a good idea.

"We are the sum total of what we have done with our lives.  Now if these people have been arrested and served their sentence that's all well and good, but they still can not erase what has been done and I think society has a right to know about them," McGinnis said.

Pardons clear a person's record so not even officers during traffic stops can know of previous arrests or confrontations.