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Are your past convictions blocking you from obtaining certain types of work in New York? A Certificate of Good Conduct can restore some rights and privileges that you were automatically disqualified from because of your criminal record.

As you know, your past convictions can get in the way of you leading the life you want to live. They can show up on background checks and disqualify you from getting licenses for certain types of jobs. The State of New York does offer some relief from this by allowing those who have met certain criteria to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct. This certificate may restore your right to apply for certain job licenses as well as restore some other rights and privileges. We are the leading record clearing firm in the country and we are dedicated to helping people like you with their post-conviction issues, we want to help you obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct so that you can move forward in your life.

Want to see if you are eligible for a Certificate of Good Conduct or another type of post conviction relief? Take this short free and confidential evaluation to find out.

Guidelines for Issuance of Certificate of Good Conduct

If you have been convicted of two or more felonies and/or any number of misdemeanors, you may apply to receive a Certificate of Good Conduct. If you have only been convicted of one felony (or more than one stemming from the same incident) you can apply for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities. Both certificates serve similar purposes; however, the Certificate of Relief may be applied for right after you are released, while there is a waiting period to apply for the Certificate of Good Conduct.

A Certificate of Good Conduct may eliminate any mandatory legal bar or disability enforced because of your convictions. This certificate restores your right to apply for certain occupational licenses, but does not guarantee they will be granted. Other rights may be restored as well such as the ability to be appointed legal guardian to a child, and the ability to vote if you are still on parole. In addition, only a Certificate of Good Conduct may restore the right of an individual to apply for public office.

There is a waiting period before you can apply, which depends on your most serious offense. It starts from the date of the last time you were released from prison or the date of your last felony conviction (if you didn’t receive time), whichever is later. If your most serious conviction was a misdemeanor then you must wait at least one year. If your most serious conviction is a C, D, or E felony, you must wait at least three years. If your most serious conviction is an A or B felony, then the wait is at least 5 years.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision may issue the certificate once it is satisfied that certain conditions are met. The department must be satisfied that:

• You have conducted yourself in a manner warranting the issuance of the certificate; this means that during the mandatory waiting time you have displayed good conduct. You should have committed no new crimes and paid off any fines or restitution.
• The relief granted by the certificate is consistent with your rehabilitation
• The relief granted is consistent with public interest
• If your previous convictions were in another jurisdiction you must demonstrate that there are specific facts and circumstances and specific sections of New York law that have an adverse impact on you

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will conduct an investigation into your circumstances, which will include looking at your employment history and means of support, proof of payment of income taxes and proof of payment of fines and restitution among other factors.

Process - Application for Certificate of Good Conduct

The typical case in New York takes about a year or two. The wait time for it to be processed depends on how complicated your case is and how many cases they may have received before yours.

We have one low flat fee that covers all the work we do. This work includes researching, composing and filing your application. We will also send an attorney to a hearing if necessary. You can monitor the status of your case by logging into our case management system.

We are committed to providing excellent service at affordable prices. The flat fee can be divided into interest-free payments and is backed up by a price match guarantee. We have the experience, skills and enthusiasm to help you obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct, and we want to get started right away.

View all of the Certificate of Good Conduct Frequently Asked Questions.