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Four times a year, Governor Rick Scott and the elected Cabinet hear from dozens of people convicted of crimes who want their rights restored. Today was one such day, and  the cases range from people serving life to those who slapped their girlfriends.

In 2003, then 21 year old Ryan Holle lent his car to a friend who he knew was going to rob a pot dealer. An 18 year old in the house ended up dead. Offered a ten year plea deal, Ryan refused. He got life without parole under the states felony murder rule.

Nearly 12 years later His family came to plea for mercy. Aunt  Peggy Reunnels told the board “He regrets it everyday.”

But the family of then 18 year old Jennifer Snyder also came, wanting to keep Ryan right where he is.  Surviving sister Marcy Snyder is still grieving. “I still fell the pain and lonelyness without her.”

The case was the most dramatic of more than 80 on the schedule. A decision was delayed.  The rest who came are like Russel Sweet, mostly normal folks who made a mistake. “My life is totally different” said Sweet just before having his rights restored.

David Rios argued slapping his girlfriend was all a big mistake. When pushed about the incident he responded: “No,, no, no, I did not attack her. She beat me with a two by four.”

Pharmacist Burton Sloss traded pills for pot. He cam to clear his reputation. “So that my children, specifically my son, would not have a history behind him of mistakes that I have made” says the Melbourne man. 14 speeding tickets did him in. His pardon was denied.

81 year old DL Barney stole a water pump in the 1950‘s. His years of clean living paid off in in full pardon. We asked, “It must feel good?

“Oh, I feel twenty years younger. You don’t know how much weight that took off my shoulders” said the newly pardoned man with a chuckle in his voice.

Applicants must wait at least five years after a crime before asking for mercy.

Florida is considered one of the most restrictive states when it comes to restoring the right to vote or own a gun. Full pardons are even more rare.