CAN I GET A PARDON?
At Spital and Associates, we can discuss with you the possibility of seeking a Governor's Pardon. If you served a State Prison sentence in California as the result of a felony or misdemeanor conviction, there is a chance you might be eligible to receive a Governor's pardon. A Governor's Pardon is granted to a defendant who has been convicted and has proven he or she has rehabilitated or changed his or her ways by demonstrating excellent behavior and has continued to be a law abiding citizen. A pardon differs from an expungement in that, if pardoned, you must still declare, to an employer or other relevant person, that you have been convicted of the pardoned crime.
If you apply for and receive a complete pardon, your rights will be returned allowing you to resume an otherwise normal life, although there are some exceptions. For example, you may be able to purchase a firearm if you receive a pardon, unless you have been convicted of a crime in which a firearm was involved.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO GETTING A PARDON?
The first step is to obtain a certificate of rehabilitation, which is a court order that declares you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and are rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, your San Diego Pardon Lawyers will request the Superior Court to forward the Certificate of Rehabilitation to the Governor and constitutes your application for a pardon.
HOW DOES A CERTIFICATE OF REHABILITATION HELP ME?
- 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 or deny a state license (Doctor, Dentist, Nurse, Real Estate Broker or Agent, Contractor, etc.)
- It relieves certain offenders from registration requirements of PC 290.