Pardoned and released (7)
I believe the answer is:
excused
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'pardoned' is the first definition.
('excuse' can be a synonym of 'pardon')
'released' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'and' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for excused that I've seen before include "Made allowances for" , "Exempted from task" , "Let off (a duty)" , "Granted exemption" , "Given permission to leave, or pardoned" .)