Chris Christie Commutes Brian Aitken's Sentence
Brian Aitken, who was convicted of illegally possessing two handguns that he had legally purchased in Colorado, will be spending Christmas out of prison.
Gov. Chris Christie commuted Aitken's sentence, from seven years to time served, according to an order the governor signed today.
Aitken had appealed to Christie for commutation after being sentenced in August. According to the commutation order, Aitken will be released as "soon administratively possible."
I'm waiting to hear back from Aitken's attorney and family about what exactly this means. It would be nice if the guy could get his record cleared completely. But getting him out of prison is obviously the most important thing. Good for Gov. Christie. Cases like this one are exactly what the pardon and clemency power is for.
My column on Aitken's case here.
