Pardon board restores firearms rights for Leslie Treyan

The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole voted unanimously on April 6 to recommend a pardon and restoration of firearms rights for Leslie Treyan, who described two simple-battery convictions dating to 2001 and 2007 and told the board she acted to defend herself.

Treyan, who gave her mailing address and confirmed the two misdemeanor convictions, told the panel that the incidents were altercations and said, “I never had a weapon weapon. No,” as she described using a stick to protect herself. The board followed its usual practice of hearing identifying information, reviewing the background and then letting the assigned member lead the interview.

Board member Mr. Tillis led the questioning and told the panel he would vote in favor. “My vote is to grant firearms,” he said. Other members joined that recommendation during the roll call that followed the interview; the board’s clerk announced that the panel would forward the recommendation to the appropriate executive office for final action.

Why it matters: Treyan’s case involved misdemeanor convictions from more than a decade ago; her supporters and the board pointed to the limited nature of the offenses, the time elapsed and the applicant’s statements about change. The board’s recommendation now goes to the executive branch for final approval.

What happens next: The board’s favorable recommendation will be transmitted to the governor’s office and other officials for final decision-making. If the governor (or the executive process) approves, Treyan’s firearms rights would be restored under the terms the board recommended.