Traverse City (WWJ/AP) -- Governor Jennifer Granholm's legal team says she has no authority to pardon Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick because he hasn't been convicted of a crime.
Kilpatrick and his former top aide Christine Beatty are charged with conspiracy, perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct in office. Kilpatrick also faces two felony assault charges.
The administration released a letter Thursday to Kilpatrick's legal team, which had raised questions about possible immunity or pardons.
Granholm's legal counsel says the constitution authorizes a pardon only after a conviction in court. The letter says Granholm does not believe the charges or circumstances merit use of a pardon. Click here to read the letter.
Granholm has been asked by the Detroit City Council to remove Kilpatrick for misconduct. A hearing is set for Sept. 3.
She says the situation needs to be resolved because it "has been very, very difficult for the city and for the state.''
Kilpatrick and former top aide Christine Beatty were in court Thursday being arraigned on charges of conspiracy, perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct in office. Kilpatrick also faces two other felony charges. Click here for more on that hearing.
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