NOTE:  Due to recent changes in the law, cases with a state prison sentence can now be considered for a dismissal pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.41 and section 1203.42.

The benefits of a dismissal pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.41 and 1203.42 may be far greater than the benefits obtained by a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Talk to your Clean Slate attorney if you have questions.

A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order that says someone who was (1) convicted of a felony and (2) served time in state or local prison, has been rehabilitated.

It does not erase your criminal record.  But it can have some benefits. For example, it may help when you're applying for a job or professional license from the state.

In general, rehabilitation means that for many years after your conviction, you lived an "honest and upright life", followed the law, and showed good moral character.

It's also a first step to applying to the Governor for a pardon.

If you get a Certificate of Rehabilitation, it gets sent to the Governor's Office. It is considered an official application for a pardon from the governor.

 WHAT IT CAN DO

• Help your chance of getting a professional license from a state board
• Be the official record that shows you're rehabilitated, which may improve your job or housing opportunities
• Get sent to the Governor as your official application for a pardon 
• In very rare cases, it can get an end to sex offender registration requirement

WHAT IT DOES NOT DO

• Erase a felony conviction or seal a criminal record
• Let you say you don't have a criminal record (this may be possible if your case was dismissed/expunged first)
• Restore your gun rights
• Prevent the conviction from being considered a prior if you're convicted later of a different crime
• End sex offender registration requirements, unless you also got relief under section 290.5.