Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board sets guidelines making more inmates eligible to apply for sentence reversal

More nonviolent Oklahoma inmates will be eligible to apply for sentence commutations under revamped eligibility requirements approved Monday by the state Pardon and Parole Board.

Now such inmates will be eligible for consideration after serving only three years of a sentence.

Tony Coleman, an Oklahoma City attorney who works with clients seeking commutation, said the board could be inundated with applications from nonviolent offenders who are suddenly eligible. It will especially impact drug offenders, many of whom are serving 10- or 15-year sentences.

"My phones are going to ring off the hook," he said.