3 Reasons To Apply For A Certificate Of Rehabilitation

Being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor can have a long lasting negative impact on your life. Not only will you lose some very important rights, but your ability to take advantage of opportunities available to others without a criminal record will be difficult or impossible.

However, if you are committed to moving past your criminal history and trying to restore your standing in the eyes of the government and your local community, there are some options available to you. One of the most common is to get a Certificate of Rehabilitation.
 

What Is A Certificate Of Rehabilitation?

A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order declaring that you have displayed good moral character and have been a law-abiding citizen since you were convicted of a crime.

While obtaining a Certificate Of Rehabilitation does not clear a conviction from your criminal record the way an expungement does, getting one does offer three very worthwhile advantages that anyone with a criminal record should know about.
 

1) Registering As A Sex Offender

In California, obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation could end your obligation to register as a sex offender. Not every sex crime is eligible for this benefit, so it’s worth speaking to a reputable criminal law attorney about your specific case to find out if your crime is eligible.

Failing to register as a sex offender in California can lead to facing additional, separate charges. If you are in a situation that requires you to move regularly, eliminating this requirement can make a big difference.

2) Employment And Career Opportunities

One of the most difficult challenges facing anyone with a criminal record is finding employment. Google searches, social media, and professional background checks all allow employers to be increasingly more selective in who they’re willing to hire.

Even worse, a criminal record means you might be automatically denied a professional license for careers such as nursing or a contractor.

While obtaining a Certificate Of Rehabilitation still means you’ll have to answer “yes” to a question about being convicted of a crime, you may be able to present your certificate as evidence that you have made a serious effort to turn your life around and be worthy of professional consideration.

You will also no longer be automatically denied a professional license from California state licensing officials once you’ve obtained your certificate.
 

3) Automatic Pardon Application

The final major benefit of getting a Certificate Of Rehabilitation is that doing so serves as an automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon.

A Governor’s Pardon is a way to regain some rights you may have lost after being convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanor sex crimes. These rights include the right to serve on a jury and the right to own a firearm. In some cases, a Governor’s Pardon could also stop sex offender registration.
 

Working With An Attorney

The best way to begin the process of getting a Certificate Of Rehabilitation is to contact an experienced criminal law attorney to review your case and determine your eligibility.

At Quinnan Law, we’ve helped many people through the process of obtaining their certificate and starting a new life. We’re more than happy to answer your questions and discuss any additional options that might be available to help you recover from a criminal history.