In California the process to obtain a pardon or a state license begins with a Certificate of Rehabilitation…
Certificate of Rehabilitation is yet another option available to individuals convicted of crimes in California. This relief is available to the following individuals:
Individuals who were sentenced to state prison and were released on parole thereby making them ineligible for expungement
Individuals with a felony conviction who desire to apply for a Governor's Pardon
Individuals with misdemeanor convictions who are required to register pursuant to Penal Code section 290
Benefits of a Certificate of Rehabilitation are:
Once granted it becomes an automatic application for a Governor's pardon
State licensing agencies will take into account the Certificate when deciding to grant a state license (i.e. Nursing, Real Estate, Contractor, etc.)
It relieves certain sex-offenders from registration requirements of Penal Code section 290
Who qualifies for a Certificate of Rehabilitation?
You must have a felony conviction or a misdemeanor conviction that requires registration pursuant to Penal Code section 290 that has been expunged
You must have continuously lived in California for 3 to 5 years prior to applying for a Certificate and Pardon (Residency requirement is 3 years if release on parole, all other cases 5 year residency is required)
You must present a satisfactory period of rehabilitation which begins from the date you were released from custody
A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order, which declares that a person who has been convicted of a felony or qualified misdemeanor is rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, it is forwarded to the Governor by the granting court and constitutes an application for a pardon.