Certificates

A certificate is a document issued in some states by a court or other governmental agency, such as a parole board, as evidence that you are entitled to recover at least some of the rights and privileges you lost because of your conviction.

The terms and conditions under which certificates are issued vary widely among the states that use them.

To find out about certificates in your state, select the state where your criminal record is located using the drop-down menu below:

Connecticut - Certificate of Employability

What Is a Certificate of Employability?

Connecticut offers a “Certificate of Employability (COE),” also referred to as a "Provisional Pardon." A COE is for employment and licensure purposes only. The COE provides relief from barriers to employment or occupational licenses for people with convictions.

Who is eligible for a Certificate of Employability?

You are eligible for a COE if you are:

  1. You reside in Connecticut, and
  2. You were incarcerated and are 90 days past discharge, you are not currently under supervision, and have had no new arrest(s); or
  3. You are currently under supervision by the Parole and Community Services Division of the Department of Corrections, and you have completed 90 days of supervision.

If any of the following apply, you are not eligible to apply for a COE:

  1. You are currently incarcerated.
  2. You had a case “nolled” within the previous thirteen months. You are not eligible to apply for any type of pardon until the nolle has been cleared.
  3. If you are currently on Probation and have more than 90 days of supervision left (you must apply through your probation officer). 

What Effect Does a Certificate of Employability Have?

A Certificate of Employability, also known as a "Provisional Pardon," does not expunge convictions from your record. The COE does indicate that you are employable and makes it illegal for an employer or prospective employer to deny you employment based on your criminal record alone. The COE also shows that you are suitable to hold certain types of occupational licenses.

When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Employability?

You are eligible to apply for a COE or Provisional Pardon if you:

  1. Have successfully been under the supervision of the Parole and Community Services Division of the Department of Corrections for 90 days; or
  2. Have successfully completed your sentence, are not currently under supervision, have no new arrest(s), and have been in the community for a minimum of 90 days.

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Employability from the Board of Pardons and Paroles?

  1. Determine if you are eligible for a Certificate of Employability.
  2. Obtain all required documents.
    1. Background Investigation Authorization Form
    2. Copy of your valid Driver’s License or State ID
    3. If you are currently under any form of supervision, you are required to submit a Supervising Officer Questionnaire completed by your current Parole/Probation Officer.
  3. Compile any additional documents you want to include with your Certificate of Employability application. 
    1. Ex: certificates, resumes, evaluations, etc. 
  4. Make sure all documents you will be submitting with your Certificate of Employability Application are in one of the following formats: .jpeg, .pdf, or .png.
  5. Apply for a Certificate of Employability by visiting the Board’s ePardons Portal below.
    1. ePardons Portal

How do I apply for a Certificate of Employability from the Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division? 

  1. Fill out the "Certificate of Employability Application" form. To access the COE form, visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch website here: Certificate of Employability Application-CSSD.
  2. Make copies of the application and other supporting documents. Keep a complete set for yourself.
  3. Submit the completed application form and any supporting documents by certified mail to the Connecticut Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch at this address:

Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division
Attn: Certificate Review Unit
455 Winding Brook
Glastonbury, CT 06033

Loc level field:
State field: Connecticut

Illinois - Certificate of Good Conduct

What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

The Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) is a court document that declares to an employer that the person has been rehabilitated. In other words, a CGC means you have demonstrated good conduct since your sentencing. 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

Any person convicted of a crime in Illinois who has demonstrated good conduct for a specific period of time is eligible for a CGC. Depending on the crime you were convicted of, you may not be able to work for the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or any law enforcement agency in Illinois, even with a CGC.

You are eligible for the CGC unless you were convicted of:

  • Any offense or attempted offense that would subject you to registration under the Sex Offender Registration Act, the Arsonist Registration Act, or the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act;
  • Arson;
  • Aggravated arson;
  • Kidnapping;
  • Aggravated kidnapping;
  • Aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination; or
  • Aggravated domestic battery.

What Effect Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Have on My Status?

The certificate could improve your chances of getting a job or a license because it demonstrates good conduct and rehabilitation. 

When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

The CGC requires a waiting period:

  • You must wait at least one year after your release or your payment of the fine to apply for a CGC if your conviction is for a misdemeanor.
  • You must wait at least two years after your release if your conviction is for a felony.

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

Follow these steps to apply for a CGC:

  1. Go to the circuit court that sentenced you;
  2. Ask the Circuit Court Clerk for a Petition for a Certificate of Good Conduct;
  3. Fill out the form;
  4. Attach copies of any supporting documents (your criminal record history, any proof of your rehabilitation, and so on); and
  5. Pay any fee required.

The clerk will set a hearing date. The chief judge of that judicial district will hear your case.

You must attend the hearing.

If you were sentenced in Cook County, use the Petition for Certificate of Good Conduct Form CCCR0713 to submit to the court:

Petition for Certificate of Good Conduct

For the latest version, please visit the Cook County Circuit Court website here: Clerk of the Circuit Court

Please print this form or complete using a computer. If you have trouble editing this form on your computer, try using the Chrome web browser.

 

 

 

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Massachusetts – Certificates

Massachusetts does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.

Loc level field:
State field: Massachusetts

New Jersey - Certificate of Good Conduct

What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A Certificate of Good Conduct is a document issued by the State Parole Board to help with the rehabilitation of individuals with criminal convictions. The certificate removes limitations and restrictions on employment opportunities. 

The Certificate of Good Conduct is not a pardon, and it does not erase the offense.

Who is eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation?

To be eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct, you must meet the following:

  1. Be currently or previously supervised by the State Parole Board.
  2. If you are currently under State Parole Board supervision, at least 1 year must have passed.
  3. You have not been convicted of a new crime in the last 5 years.
  4. You have no pending charges or outstanding warrants
  5. You are not currently incarcerated.
  6. At least 2 years have passed since a similar request was denied, unless the State Parole Board finds new and important information that would grant an exception. 

How do you apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

To apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct, you should follow the following steps:

  1. Fill out the "Application for Certificate of Good Conduct" form.
  2. Attach all supporting documentation (e.g., copies of high school diploma, college transcripts, marriage license, proof of employment, proof of citizenship, if applicable, etc.).
  3. Attach testimonial letters from at least two people who are not related to you and who know your adjustment since your release on supervision.
    • If you do not have a testimonial letter, you must attach a statement explaining why you cannot provide one.
  4. Get the Application Notarized
  5. Make copies of all documents.
  6. Mail the application and supporting documents to the New Jersey State Parole Board at this address:

New Jersey State Parole Boards
P.O. Box 862
Trenton, NJ 08625-0862

Loc level field:
State field: New Jersey

New Jersey – Certificate of Rehabilitation

What is a Certificate of Rehabilitation?

A Certificate of Rehabilitation (also known as a Certificate Suspending Certain Employment, Occupational Disabilities, or Forfeitures) provides individuals who have been convicted of crimes an opportunity to show they are rehabilitated and ready to rejoin the community. The certificate helps reduce barriers to public employment and restore rights that might have been lost due to a criminal record. 

A Certificate of Rehabilitation does not erase your conviction, but it does show that you have made significant progress towards rehabilitation.  

Who is eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation?

The State Parole Board may issue a certificate to a qualified candidate who is, or was under supervision by the Board, if the Board determines that:

If You are Currently Under Supervision:

  1. You have not been convicted of a crime since the original conviction, have no pending charges, and there is information that shows that new charges are expected
  2. Issuing the certificate will not create a substantial risk to public safety
  3. Issuing the certificate will help with successful reintegration and is consistent with the public interest
  4. You have been convicted of a second, third or fourth degree offense and have not been convicted of the following offenses:
    • Any first-degree crime
    • Any offense enumerated in N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2 (No Early Release Act)
    • Any second-degree offense defined in the following chapter of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes
    • A violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a) or N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(b)4;
    • A crime requiring registration pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2;
    • A crime committed against a public entity or against a public officer;
    • A crime enumerated in N.J.S.A. 43:1-3.1, committed by a public employee, which involves or touches upon the employee’s office, position or employment, such that the crime was related directly to the person’s performance in, or circumstances flowing from, the specific public office or employment held by the person;
    • Any crime committed against a person 16 years of age or younger, or a disabled or handicapped person; or
    • A conspiracy or attempt to commit any of the crimes described above.

If You Have Completed Supervision:

  1. A minimum of three years has passed since you completed the parole supervision portion of your sentence, provided that:
    • You have not had any criminal involvement since your conviction, with no new convictions, no pending criminal charges, and there is no information that shows that there will be new charges.
    • Issuing the certificate will not pose a substantial risk to public safety; and
    • Issuing the certificate will help with your successful reintegration and is consistent with the public interest.
    • You have not been convicted of any of the following offenses:
      • Any first-degree crime;
      • Any offense enumerated in N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2 (“No Early Release Act”);
      • A violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a) or N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(b)4;
      • A crime requiring registration pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2;
      • A crime enumerated in N.J.S.A. 43:1-3.1, committed by a public employee, which involves or touches upon the employee’s office, position or employment, such that the crime was related directly to the person’s performance in, or circumstances flowing from, the specific public office or employment held by the person;
      • Any crime committed against a person 16 years of age or younger, or a disabled or handicapped person; or
      • A conspiracy or attempt to commit any of the crimes described above

How do you apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation?

To apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, you should follow the following steps:

  1. Fill out the "Application for Certificate Suspending Certain Employment, Occupational Disabilities, or Forfeitures" form.
  2. Attach all supporting documentation (e.g., copies of high school diploma, college transcripts, marriage license, proof of employment, proof of citizenship, if applicable, etc.).
  3. Attach testimonial letters from at least two persons who are not related to you and who know your community adjustment since your release on supervision.
    • If you do not have a testimonial letter, you must attach a statement explaining why you cannot furnish such a testimonial letter.
  4. Get the Application Nortarize
  5. Make copies of all documents.
  6. Mail the application and supporting documents to the New Jersey State Parole Board at this address:

New Jersey State Parole Boards
P.O. Box 862
Trenton, NJ 08625-0862

Loc level field:
State field: New Jersey

New York - Certificate of Good Conduct

What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A certificate of Good Conduct is issued by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). This certificate serves as a legal declaration that you have demonstrated reform after a conviction. It removes some employment and licensure restrictions imposed on people who have been convicted of two or more felonies and may restore your right to hold public office. If granted, it will not remove, seal, erase, or expunge the underlying conviction.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

You may receive a CGC if you either:

  1. Have been convicted of two or more separate felonies; or 
  2. Are seeking a job that is considered a “public office” 
    1. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) will only consider applications for a CGC for public office if the application lists a specific public office and the individual includes information about which laws prevent them from holding office.

You are eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have been convicted of two or more separate felonies. You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record.

You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record. 

DOCCS may also issue you a Certificate of Good Conduct if you are an eligible individual who has been convicted in another state or in federal court and who now lives in New York State. The good conduct waiting period will be determined by the level at which the conviction would be considered in New York State.

What Effect Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Have on My Status?

A Certificate of Good Conduct has the same effect as the CRD. In addition, the Certificate of Good Conduct may restore your right to seek public office. The certificate may remove all or only some legal bars or disabilities. The Certificate of Good Conduct issued to you while under parole supervision is a temporary certificate. The certificate will become permanent upon a successful end of parole or supervision.

When can I apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

Your most serious conviction determines the waiting period:

  • Five years for an A or B felony
  • Three years for a C, D, or E felony
  • One year for misdemeanors

The waiting period begins at:

  1. The last time you were released from incarceration (either prison or jail) to community supervision;
  2. The date when you were released from incarceration by the maximum expiration of your sentence, or 
  3. The time of your last criminal conviction. 

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

The process to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct is the same as getting a CRD.

Use this Certificate of Good Conduct Application to submit to DOCCS:

‌Certificate of Good Conduct Instructions and Application to DOCCS

Certificate of Good Conduct Application Example HERE

How Long Does The Process Take?

The process will depend on the complexity of your case and will involve a complete review of the information you provided. The processing time will also depend on the completeness of the information you submitted to DOCCS. 

The process will be delayed if you move at any time after you submit your application. If you are moving, relocating, or changing your phone number after submitting your application, it is essential to notify the Certificate Review Unit.

For any questions, you can call DOCCS’s Certificate Review Unit at (518) 485-8953

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State field: New York

New York - Certificate of Good Conduct

What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A certificate of Good Conduct is issued by The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). This certificate removes some employment and licensure restrictions imposed on people who have been convicted of two or more felonies and may restore your right to hold public office.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

You are eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have been convicted of two or more separate felonies. You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record. This means no involvement for five years if the offense is an A or B felony; three years if it’s a C, D, or E felony; or one year if there are misdemeanors on your criminal record.

The waiting period starts when you were last released from prison or jail to Community Supervision or were released from prison or jail by the maximum expiration of your sentence, or at the time of your last criminal conviction (whichever of these events comes last).

DOCCS may also issue you a Certificate of Good Conduct if you are an eligible individual who has been convicted in another state or in federal court and who now lives in New York State. The good conduct waiting period will be determined by what level the conviction would be considered in New York State.

What Effect Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Have on My Status?

A Certificate of Good Conduct has the same effect as the CRD. In addition, the Certificate of Good Conduct may restore your right to seek public office. The certificate may remove all, or only some legal bars or disabilities. The Certificate of Good Conduct issued to you while under parole supervision is a temporary certificate. The certificate will become permanent upon a successful end of parole or supervision.

When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

There is a waiting period to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct. The waiting period depends on your most serious felony, not your last one. For an A or a B felony, the waiting period is 5 years. For a C, D or E felony, the waiting period is 3 years.

The waiting period starts the last time you got out of prison or completed probation/parole. If you didn’t get state time, the waiting period starts the date of your last felony conviction.

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

The process to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct is the same as getting a CRD.

Use this Certificate of Good Conduct Application to submit to DOCCS:

Certificate of Good Conduct Instructions and Application to DOCCS

For the latest version, please visit the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's website here:

DOCCS Application (latest version)

Please print this form or complete using a computer. If you have trouble editing this form on your computer, try using the Chrome web browser.

More Information About Certificates

NYS Division of Licensing Services
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
Legal Action Center

Loc level field: state

New York - Certificate of Good Conduct

What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A certificate of Good Conduct is issued by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). This certificate serves as a legal declaration that you have demonstrated reform after a conviction. It removes some employment and licensure restrictions imposed on people who have been convicted of two or more felonies and may restore your right to hold public office. If granted, it will not remove, seal, erase, or expunge the underlying conviction.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

You may receive a CGC if you either:

  1. Have been convicted of two or more separate felonies; or 
  2. Are seeking a job that is considered a “public office.” 
    1. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) will only consider applications for a CGC for public office if the application lists a specific public office and the individual includes information about which laws prevent them from holding office.

If you have been convicted of two or more separate felonies, you are eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct. You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record.

You must show that you have had no involvement with the criminal justice system for a period of time that varies depending on your criminal record. 

DOCCS may also issue you a Certificate of Good Conduct if you are an eligible individual convicted in another state or federal court and now lives in New York State. The waiting period for good conduct will be determined by the level at which the conviction would be considered in New York State.

What Effect Does a Certificate of Good Conduct Have on My Status?

A Certificate of Good Conduct has the same effect as the CRD. In addition, the Certificate of Good Conduct may restore your right to seek public office. The certificate may remove all or only some legal bars or disabilities. The Certificate of Good Conduct issued to you while under parole supervision is a temporary certificate. The certificate will become permanent upon a successful end of parole or supervision.

When can I apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

Your most serious conviction determines the waiting period:

  • Five years for an A or B felony
  • Three years for a C, D, or E felony
  • One year for misdemeanors

The waiting period begins at:

  1. The last time you were released from incarceration (either prison or jail) to community supervision;
  2. The date when you were released from incarceration by the maximum expiration of your sentence, or 
  3. The time of your last criminal conviction. 

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

The process to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct is the same as getting a CRD.

Use this Certificate of Good Conduct Application to submit to DOCCS:

‌Certificate of Good Conduct Instructions and Application to DOCCS

Certificate of Good Conduct Application Example HERE

How Long Does The Process Take?

The process will depend on the complexity of your case and will involve a complete review of the information you provided. The processing time will also depend on the completeness of the information you submitted to DOCCS. 

The process will be delayed if you move at any time after you submit your application. If you are moving, relocating, or changing your phone number after submitting your application, it is essential to notify the Certificate Review Unit.

For any questions you can call DOCCS’s Certificate Review Unit at (518) 485-8953

Loc level field:

New York - Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD)

What is a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) may be issued by a court or the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

The certificate removes restrictions from getting certain types of employment and/or occupational licenses for people who have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors, or up to one felony. If you have a CRD, it does not mean that an employer has to hire you or that a licensing board has to give you a license. The employer or licensing agency can still consider your conviction and will also take into account your rehabilitation.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

You are eligible for a CRD if you have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors and no more than one felony (two or more felony convictions in the same court on the same day are counted as one felony).

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) may also issue you a CRD if you are an eligible person but was convicted in another state or in federal court and now lives in New York State.

A CRD may be issued to you upon release from jail or prison, with the recommendation of the supervising Parole Officer, at any time while under Community Supervision.

What Effect Does a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Have on My Status?

A CRD may remove any legal restriction or disability imposed as a result of conviction of the crime or crimes specified in the certificate. The CRD does not, however, enable you to retain or become eligible for public office.

Note that removing legal bars restores your right to apply and be considered for employment or license, but does not guarantee it will be granted.

A CRD issued to you upon release or once you are on parole is a temporary certificate. This certificate becomes permanent when you are discharged from parole.

When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

You can apply for a CRD at the time of sentencing, after sentencing, or after release from state prison.

  • At Sentencing: You can apply for a CRD by asking the Judge. If you are going to lose an employment license or public housing because of your conviction, it is important to ask for a CRD at sentencing.
  • After Sentencing: You can apply any time after sentencing for a CRD, except you can’t apply while you are in a state prison.
  • After State Prison: If you served time in a state prison and have been released, you can apply to the DOCCS to get a CRD.

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

You should apply to the court that sentenced you unless:

  1. You were sentenced to a New York State (DOCCS) prison or jail, or
  2. You were convicted in a federal court or a court in another state and you are now a resident of New York State.

Certificates in these cases are issued by DOCCS.

To Apply for a CRD from the court, you will need to:

  1. Know the offense;
  2. Know the court and the relief you want; and
  3. Fill out the application form. You may need to do a Criminal Records search.

To find the contact information for local courts, go to: New York State Unified Court System

Use this CRD Application to submit to the court:

Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Application

Please print this form or complete using a computer. If you have trouble editing this form on your computer, try using the Chrome web browser.

For the latest version, please visit the New York State Unified Court System's website here:

CRD Application to the Court (latest version)

You must sign the form in front of a notary.

Even though the application form does not ask for proof of rehabilitation, you should attach any evidence you have, including a letter that you write that explains what happened and how you take responsibility for your actions; letters of recommendation from employers or clergy; and any certificates of completion of drug treatment, job training or volunteer work you may have. Submitting these documents will improve your chance of the Judge granting your application.

The court will grant a CRD if the following four requirements have been met:

  1. You are considered eligible according to the factors listed in Article 23A;
  2. The relief granted by the certificate is consistent with your rehabilitation;
  3. You have attempted to rehabilitate and your efforts are consistent with the relief that would be provided by the certificate; and
  4. The relief granted by the certificate is in the best interest of the public.

To Apply for a CRD from DOCCS

If you are not under community/parole supervision and/or have completed the maximum expiration of your sentence, you can download a certificate application from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) website and submit a completed application directly to the DOCCS Certificate Review Unit at the address listed on the application.

The steps are different if you are under community/parole supervision. If you are under community/parole supervision, you should discuss your interest in applying for a certificate with your supervising Parole Officer, who can recommend you for a CRD.

There is a three-step process for requesting a CRD from DOCCS:

  1. Fill out an application requesting a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities;
  2. An Officer will be assigned to investigate your character and rehabilitation; and
  3. A Parole board determines if you should receive a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.

Use this CRD Application to submit to DOCCS:

CRD Application Instructions

For the latest version, please visit the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's website here:

CRD Application Instructions (latest version)

Please fill out all forms using a desktop or laptop computer. If you have trouble editing a form on your computer, try using the Chrome web browser or downloading and printing the form.

Each Certificate of Relief from Disabilities can only cover one conviction. This means that if you have more than one criminal conviction then you will need to apply for a certificate for each individual conviction on your record. If you have a relatively long record then you may want to consider only filling out a certificate for the most recent and/or serious convictions.

More Information About Certificates

NYS Division of Licensing Services
NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
Legal Action Center

Loc level field: state

New York - Certificates of Relief from Disabilities (CRD)

What is a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities (CRD) is an option for removing certain consequences of your criminal conviction. The term “disability” refers to laws that may prevent you from holding certain jobs or rights because of your conviction(s). It may be issued by a court or the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

The certificate removes restrictions from getting certain types of employment and/or occupational licenses for people who have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors or up to one felony. 

If you have a CRD, it does not mean that an employer has to hire you or that a licensing board has to give you a license. The employer or licensing agency may still consider your conviction and will also take into account your rehabilitation efforts.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

You are eligible for a CRD if you have been convicted of any number of misdemeanors and no more than one felony (two or more felony convictions in the same court on the same day are counted as one felony).

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) may also issue you a CRD if you are an eligible person but were convicted in another state or federal court and now live in New York State.

A CRD may be issued to you upon release from jail or prison, with the recommendation of the supervising Parole Officer, at any time while under Community Supervision.

Each Certificate of Relief from Disabilities can only cover one conviction. If you have more than one conviction, then you will need to apply for a certificate for each one on your record. If you have a relatively long record, then consider only filling out a certificate for the most recent and/or serious convictions.

What Effect Does a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Have on My Status?

A CRD may remove any legal restriction or disability imposed as a result of the conviction of the crime or crimes specified in the certificate. The CRD does not, however, enable you to retain or become eligible for public office.

Note that removing legal bars restores your right to apply and be considered for employment or a license, but does not guarantee it will be granted.

A CRD issued to you upon release or your parole is a temporary certificate. This certificate becomes permanent upon your discharge from parole.

When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities?

You can apply for a CRD at the time of sentencing, after sentencing, or after release from state prison.

  • At Sentencing: You can apply for a CRD by asking the Judge. If you are going to lose your employment license or public housing due to your conviction, it is essential to request a CRD at sentencing.
  • After Sentencing: You can apply any time after sentencing for a CRD with the court that imposed your sentence, except you can’t apply while you are in a state prison.
  • After State Prison: If you served time in a state prison and have been released, you can apply to the DOCCS to get a CRD.

There is no waiting period to apply for a CRD. How you request an application depends on your circumstances. 

  1. If you are on parole or probation, request the certificate from your parole or probation officer. Your officer will forward the request to DOCCS.
  2. If you are applying to the court where you were convicted, contact the court clerk where you were convicted, as they have a different application than DOCCS.
  3. If you are applying to the DOCCS, download one application per conviction, OR call and ask DOCCS to send you an application at (518) 485-8953. 

Where Do I Apply For a CRD?

Where you apply for a CRD depends on where you were convicted and if you were incarcerated in a state facility. 

  1. If you were convicted in New York, but not incarcerated in a state prison, apply to the court where you were convicted.
  2. If you were convicted in New York AND were incarcerated in a state prison OR convicted of federal or a different state, apply to the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

How Do I Apply from a CRD From The Court?

To apply for a CRD from the court, you will need to:

  1. Know the offense.
  2. Know the court and the relief you want; and
  3. Fill out the application form. You may need to do a Criminal Records search.

To find the contact information for local courts, go to the New York State Unified Court System. 

Even though the application form does not ask for proof of rehabilitation, you should attach any evidence you have, including a letter that you write that explains what happened and how you take responsibility for your actions; letters of recommendation from employers or clergy; and any certificates of completion of drug treatment, job training or volunteer work you may have. Submitting these documents will improve your chances of the Judge granting your application.

The court will grant a CRD if the following four requirements have been met:

  1. You are considered eligible according to the factors listed in Article 23A.
  2. The relief granted by the certificate is consistent with your rehabilitation.
  3. You have attempted to rehabilitate, and your efforts are consistent with the relief that the certificate would provide; and
  4. The relief granted by the certificate is in the public's best interest.

How Do I Apply for a CRD from DOCCS?

If you are not under community/parole supervision and/or have completed the maximum expiration of your sentence, you can download a certificate application from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) website and submit a completed application directly to the DOCCS Certificate Review Unit at the address listed on the application.

The steps are different if you are under community/parole supervision. If you are under community/parole supervision, discuss your interest in applying for a certificate with your supervising Parole Officer, who can recommend you for a CRD.

There is a three-step process for requesting a CRD from DOCCS:

  1. Fill out an application requesting a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.
  2. An Officer will be assigned to investigate your character and rehabilitation; and
  3. The Parole Board determines if you should receive a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.
    • Under the law, DOCCS may choose to remove one, more than one, or all allowable disabilities

If you are applying to the DOCCS, fill out and mail the attached application with all signatures notarized to:

STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
ATTN: CERTIFICATE REVIEW UNIT
The Harriman State Campus – Building 4
1220 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12226-2050
(518) 485-8953

Although the application does not require proof of rehabilitation, you should attach any evidence you have. This may take the form of a letter that you write explaining how you take responsibility for your actions, letters of recommendation from employers, job training, volunteer work, and/or any certificates of completion of drug treatment. These documents will improve your chances of approval. 

To find the contact information for local courts, go to the New York State Unified Court System

Use this CRD Application to submit to the court:

Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Application

Certificate of Relief from Disabilities Example HERE

You can call DOCCS’s Certificate Review Unit at (518) 485-8953 for any questions.

Loc level field: state
State field: New York

Ohio - Certificate of Qualification for Employment

What is a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?

This certificate removes legal barriers to employment. The Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) is for formerly incarcerated individuals who have completed sentencing, parole, and any post release control.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?

You are eligible for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) if you have been discharged from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC).

What Effect Does a Certificate of Qualification for Employment Have on My Status?

A Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) can remove legal bars to employment that are created by statutes and regulations. In Ohio, people with criminal records cannot get some occupational licenses and cannot work in facilities that serve "vulnerable populations" (hospitals, schools, daycares, nursing homes, etc.). If you have a CQE and you apply for one of these licenses or jobs, the licensing agency or employer must presume that your convictions by themselves do not make you unfit for the license or the job. In other words, if you have a certificate, you are not disqualified by your record.

The CQE also protects employers who hire you. It reduces the risk of hiring people with criminal records because the CQE removes the employer's liability for negligent hiring. This certificate should make employers more likely to hire you.

When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?

If your offense is a felony, you must wait one year after completing your sentence to apply for a CQE.

If your offense is a misdemeanor, you must wait 6 months after completing your sentence.

How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment?

If you are eligible, here is the general process to apply for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE):

  1. Identify all of the state law bars to employment that you want relief from.
    • One criminal offense will likely have more than one impact on future employment. To apply for this certificate, you must identify all of the laws that affect you. For example, one Ohio law could prevent you from getting a State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) license. Another law could prevent you from working in a hospital or nursing home. To get that job, you need relief from both laws. So you must list both laws on your application for a certificate.
    • To help you, the Ohio Justice & Policy Center and the Ohio Public Defenders have developed an easy to use online tool. To view this online tool, visit the Civil Impacts of Criminal Convictions under Ohio Law's website here: Civil Impacts of Criminal Convictions under Ohio Law.
  2. Complete the certificate application online.
  3. Apply in the court of common pleas in the county where you live.
    • There is only one of these courts in each Ohio county. You cannot apply for a certificate in any other court. Each court of common pleas has its own rules, procedures, fees, and forms for CQE applications. The fees can be as much as $300.
  4. Wait to hear from the court.
    • Applying for a CQE can take several months. To grant a CQE, the Court must decide that you have a "substantial need" for a CQE and that granting it will not cause an "unreasonable risk" to the public.

More Information About a Certificate of Qualification for Employment

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center has an online workbook to help you with getting a CQE. To view the workbook online, visit: The Ohio Justice and Policy Center’s CQE Workbook.
 

Loc level field:

Pennsylvania – Certificates

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not offer certificates of relief or rehabilitation.

Loc level field:
State field: Pennsylvania