Like you, I have some hesitation without seeing the case file. I do think your legal analysis is right on the mark, but I still deplore the state's breaking up of this family out of pretty much nothing but petty bureaucratic vindictiveness and foolishness.
Cordially,
Unless we have the case file (and the criminal case file is public record), I hestitate to come down on either side of this thing. The press release is not an objective analysis of the situation. I'd start rising up in righteous indignation if I can review the information on both sides and make a decision as to whether this is a bureaucratic overreaction or if support for her is warranted.
As far as the pardon is concerned, the Governor will not grant her a pardon unless, for example, she can prove she's been wrongly convicted, her case has gone through the appeals process (which she forfeited when she plead guilty), and meet a number of other criteria. Because someone doesn't like or won't comply with probation is not one of criteria. Certainly, calling and writing the governor's office won't cut it with McCallum. And he's not going to grant a pardon of this sort in an election year when there's a good probability it's going to be a very close election.