Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Is a Certificate of Rehabilitation the Post-Conviction Relief You Need?

It is not news that when a person is convicted of a crime, does their time, and is released from jail and/or probation, they still face serious issues. From personal stigma to having trouble getting a job, a criminal record can be a hindrance in trying to live your life. If this describes your situation, then you might be wondering if a Certificate of Rehabilitation is the right move for you. Read on to learn what is all about and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 to learn about this and other post-conviction relief options.

The Basics of a Certificate of Rehabilitation

First, it is important to know what a Certificate of Rehabilitation is and who it is designed to help. It is a court order that states that a person convicted of a crime has followed through on all legal requirements related to that crime, and that they have been law-abiding. The Certificate is issued by a judge and it is designed to help a person move on after paying for their mistakes.

Benefits You Can Expect from a Certificate of Rehabilitation

There are a number of benefits that can come with this Certificate. First, you might be eligible for a state license. This includes licenses at the state bar and other professional situations. That said, some licensing boards will still look at your criminal record and not issue the license based even with the Certificate. Be sure to talk to the specific board to which you will be applying.

Second, if the crime you were convicted of requires that you register as a sex offender, you will no longer have to do so. Third, an application for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is an automatic application for a pardon from the Governor. Finally, this Certificate can be shown to potential employers who might be more willing to hire a convicted felon with this than without one.

It is Important to Know What to Expect from a Certificate of Rehabilitation

You should know before you apply that this is not going to clear your criminal record. Your conviction will be on any criminal background check that is done. Additionally, if you are later convicted for an additional crime, this crime will still be used to consider your sentence or charge.

We Can Help You Apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation

It can be confusing and daunting to apply for this Certificate on your own. This is why we recommend you work with a criminal defense attorney. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we can submit your application. We can determine the best options based on your specific situation. We can take additional steps, such as getting evaluations from trusted psychologists, to go along with your application.

If you are ready to start, or you want to hear more about your options, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 now for a free legal consultation.