If his client was found guilty, or took a plea bargain, and he then didn't issue a pardon, he'd be making an implicit statement that he thinks the defendant was

If his client was found guilty, or took a plea bargain, and he then didn't issue a pardon, he'd be making an implicit statement that he thinks the defendant was indeed guilty.... Whatever the Constitutional issues, it's messy for sure, although as noted he could take on the case after he steps down, he just won't be able to spend as much time with his family ^_^.