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California Certificates Of Rehabilitation

Having a criminal record impacts your life in many ways. In addition to damaging relationships with family, friends and community members, it also bars you from certain types of employment (particularly licensed occupations), and can limit your access to housing, education and government benefits. At Bird & Van Dyke, we can help you explore your options — such as a certificate of rehabilitation — for removing these barriers so you can move on with your life.

What Is A Certificate Of Rehabilitation?

A certificate of rehabilitation is an official document that demonstrates a person’s rehabilitation. You must petition the court to receive it, and if your petition is successful it can greatly improve your employment possibilities. It also allows you to become licensed by state boards, opening up still more employment opportunities.

A certificate of rehabilitation is not the same thing as a governor’s pardon, but it is an automatic recommendation and application for one. It does not erase the conviction or seal your record, and unlike an expulsion it does now allow you to indicate you have no criminal record when asked by potential employers. But it can be an important step toward a real second chance.

Who Is Eligible?

If you have served your time for a felony, or if your felony conviction was dismissed, and you have not committed any further crimes, you may be eligible for a certificate of rehabilitation. Special rules apply to individuals convicted of sex crimes involving minors, and certificates are not granted for misdemeanors. At Bird & Van Dyke, our lawyers can determine if you are eligible, and help you through the process of filing a petition.

Work With Us — We’ll Work For You

Bird & Van Dyke is proud to serve residents of Central California from our office in Stockton. Attorney Bird is a former prosecutor and public defender who uses her previous experience to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies in order to build stronger cases for her clients. We have an excellent track record, and we’ll fight hard to protect your rights.

If you think you may be eligible for a certificate of rehabilitation, contact us immediately. Call us at 888-915-0422 (in Stockton) to discuss your case. The sooner we start, the sooner you can receive your certificate and improve your employment prospects.