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If you were convicted of or pled guilty to a crime and have served your sentence, now may be the time to clear your criminal record. Applying for a “Certificate of Rehabilitation” demonstrates to the public that you have been rehabilitated and upheld a life of morality since your conviction and release from supervision.

While this sounds simple, it may not be as clear-cut as it seems due to several eligibility factors that must be met. Discuss your prior criminal conviction with an experienced Martinez “Certificate of Rehabilitation” attorney. A knowledgeable attorney like those at The Nieves Law Firm could assist you in taking this critical step to move forward with your life.

Benefits of Receiving a California Certificate of Rehabilitation

Certificates of Rehabilitation (COR) are court orders acknowledging that an individual has been living as a law-abiding citizen for a required number of years. A COR does not remove convictions from a person’s record, but it does result in an order and certificate issued by the court finding that the person is now a legally upstanding citizen and recommending the individual for consideration for a pardon by the Governor.

There are numerous benefits to obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation,  including:

  • An automatic application for a Governor’s Pardon of the underlying crime, as outlined in California Penal Code § 4852.16
  • Eligibility for certain State licensing, such as contractor’s license, real estate license, or license to practice law or medicine, and possibly even restoration of gun rights by allowing licensing and gun registration
  • Exemption from the sexual predator registry for certain offenses

With the help of a seasoned attorney who knows the criminal justice system in Martinez, individuals may have the opportunity to secure Certificates of Rehabilitation and get their lives back on track.

Who Can Apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation?

Certificate of Rehabilitation relief is not available to everyone. Cal. Penal Code § 4852.01 outlines specific eligibility criteria for convicted individuals who completed a felony sentence, expunged a felony conviction, or expunged a misdemeanor sex offense listed in Cal. Penal Code § 290, which establishes the State’s sex offender registry.

The following requirements must also be satisfied to obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation:

  • No incarceration for a new offense since completing their sentence
  • Conclusion of the supervisory probation or parole period
  • Meets the timeframe for residency and of 5 years in California
  • Served the additional time mandated by statute for proving rehabilitation (5 years plus 2, 4, or 5 additional years)
  • Not otherwise barred from receiving a Certificate of Rehabilitation

California Penal Code §§ 4852.01(c) and 4852.13(b) outline the circumstances that will disqualify an individual from qualifying for a Certificate of Rehabilitation. They include:

  • mandatory life parole
  • service in the military and being convicted of new criminal violations
  • committal of a federal crime or offense in another jurisdiction
  • engagement in certain sex crimes with children
  • court determination that the sex offender is a continuing threat to minors

The Waiting Period Before Applying

Before requesting a Certificate of Rehabilitation, an individual must meet specific timeframes as a California inhabitant and a law-abiding resident (i.e., the rehabilitation period). Individuals must have lived in California for five straight years leading up to the filing. Cal. Penal Code § 4852.03 explains that the counting for the rehabilitation period commences upon release from community supervision, mandatory supervision, parole, or probation.

In addition to the residency requirement, certain crimes require an additional two to five years to pass. Under Cal. Penal Code § 4852.03(a)(1), the following crimes add four years, requiring the passage of nine years before petitioning the court:

  • murder, assault with force to cause bodily harm
  • aggravated kidnapping
  • any death sentence offense

As required under Cal. Penal Code § 4852.03(a)(2)(A), many sex crimes demand a total wait-time of ten years (five years residency and an additional five years).

All other offenses not requiring four or five additional years result in an additional rehabilitation period of two year for a total of 7 years from the time of release from supervision.

Attorneys who frequently file Certificates of Rehabilitation petitions in Martinez understand how to calculate the minimum timeframes. They may be able to help you determine if you qualify for the Certificate of Rehabilitation and apply for the Petition as well.

Seek the Advice of an Experienced Martinez Certificate of Rehabilitation Attorney

A Certificate of Rehabilitation can significantly improve your standing in the community and your prospects for a successful life. However, the granting of a Certificate of Rehabilitation is not automatic and requires careful preparation of the application. Our Martinez Certificate of Rehabilitation attorneys here at The Nieves Law Firm have the necessary experience to help you submit a persuasive petition. Call us today and set up a consultation with a skilled member of our team.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving the Bay Area

The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.

We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.

As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.

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Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

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Our Criminal Defense Attorneys: How to Take Back Control of Your Life, And Your Future.

When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.

From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.

We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.

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