The District of Columbia has a discrepancy over who has jurisdiction to grant clemency. For now, it is believed that the President has authority over pardons. Therefore, all rules regarding federal pardons are the same as those in the District of Columbia.
After the application is fully completed, no hearing is held on the matter. The applicant will receive a decision from the President, there is no appeal process. If an application is denied, a request may be re-submitted after one year. Requests for commutation are not usually considered until after the sentence has begun.