Sometimes it feels like the punishment for a criminal conviction does not end when you finish probation or get out of prison. When you have a criminal record, it can be hard to get prospective employers to give you a chance. People treat you like a criminal when all you want is to earn an honest living. Lawmakers have become aware of the challenges faced by people with criminal records and have begun to offer some options to help protect their rights. In California, one of these options is a certificate of rehabilitation (COR). A registered legal document assistant (LDA) can help you apply for one and move on from your criminal conviction.
How a Certificate of Rehabilitation can Help You
The most obvious reason to apply for a COR is that it can protect you against discrimination from prospective employers. It enables you to check “no” on the job application question about felony convictions. The benefits of a COR do not end there, though. A COR is the first step to getting a governor’s pardon, although it does not automatically guarantee you one. It can restore your right to vote. If your conviction was for a misdemeanor sex offense, you may be able to remove your name from the sex offender registry.
Are You Eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation?
To apply for a COR, you need to have completed your sentence at least five years ago. You need to have resided in California continuously for the past five years. You are not eligible if you have had other convictions in the past five years. A wide variety of felonies and misdemeanors are eligible for a COR. If your conviction was dismissed under Penal Code section 1203.4, you are automatically eligible to apply for a COR. People convicted of felony sex offenses or sentenced to death or mandatory life parole are not eligible.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation
To get a COR, you must file a petition with the Superior Court in your county of residence. You do not need the services of a lawyer, but it is useful to have a registered LDA prepare the petition for you. You must notify the district attorney in your county that you have filed the petition. If you have convictions in more than one county, you must inform the district attorneys of all the counties in which your convictions were issued. The court will then schedule a hearing, which you must attend. Based on your petition and on the district attorney’s investigation, the judge will decide whether to grant you a COR.
A Professionally Prepared COR Petition can be Your Ticket to Success
It is wise to hire a registered LDA to prepare your COR petition. A professionally written petition is more likely to be successful in court. A People’s Choice provides legal documen services that can save you the cost of hiring a lawyer. Contact A People’s Choice about preparing a petition for a certificate of rehabilitation. Give us a call at 800-747-2780 today!
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