A criminal conviction can create lasting barriers in many aspects of life, from finding employment to owning a firearm or obtaining professional licenses. However, post-conviction relief offers individuals the chance to regain some of these rights.
One form of relief is a governor’s pardon, which can open doors for those seeking a fresh start. If you’ve been convicted of a crime, it’s important to understand your options for post-conviction relief and how Chambers Law Firm can assist you.
What Is a Governor’s Pardon?
A governor’s pardon is a form of legal forgiveness for a criminal conviction, granted by the governor of a state. While it does not erase the conviction from your record, a pardon can restore specific rights that were lost due to the conviction. These include:
- The ability to own or possess firearms (unless the crime involved a deadly weapon)
- The right to serve on a jury
- Exemption from having to register as a sex offender
It’s important to note that while a pardon can restore these rights, it does not expunge or seal your criminal record. This means the conviction will still appear in background checks and could impact certain legal matters, such as immigration proceedings. To fully clear your record, you may need to explore other legal options, such as expungement.
Who Is Eligible for a Governor’s Pardon?
In general, anyone convicted of a crime in California may apply for a governor’s pardon. However, the process is selective, and eligibility is often restricted to those who meet certain criteria:
- Completion of probation or parole: You must have finished all terms of your sentence, including probation or parole, at least ten years ago.
- No new criminal activity: You must not have engaged in any further criminal conduct during the ten-year period following your conviction.
- California convictions only: The pardon applies solely to state-level convictions in California, not federal or out-of-state offenses.
In cases where individuals have been convicted of two or more felonies, the California Supreme Court is required to review the case and make a recommendation to the governor for a pardon.
The Benefits of a Governor’s Pardon
A pardon can significantly improve your quality of life, restoring many civil rights and easing restrictions that stem from a conviction. Some of the key benefits include:
- Restoring firearm rights: In most cases, a pardon allows you to legally own or possess firearms again, unless the crime involved the use of a deadly weapon.
- Serving on a jury: A pardon restores your eligibility to serve as a juror, a civil duty lost after most felony convictions.
- Sex offender registry exemption: If your conviction required you to register as a sex offender, a pardon could remove this obligation.
These benefits can help you reintegrate into society and regain control over important aspects of your life. However, because a pardon does not wipe your record clean, you may still face limitations in areas such as immigration or certain professional licensing.
How Chambers Law Firm Can Help You Seek a Pardon
Applying for a governor’s pardon can be a complex process, but Chambers Law Firm is here to guide you through each step. There are two primary methods to apply for a pardon:
- With a California Certificate of Rehabilitation: A Certificate of Rehabilitation is issued by the California Superior Court and serves as an automatic application for a governor’s pardon if granted. If you are eligible, this can streamline the process.
- Without a Certificate of Rehabilitation: If you are not eligible for the certificate, you can still apply directly to the governor’s office through an Application for Executive Clemency. This process may require additional legal assistance, but an experienced attorney can help you make your case for clemency.
At Chambers Law Firm, we understand that each case is unique, and we are committed to helping you find the best path to post-conviction relief. Whether through a pardon, expungement, or another legal avenue, our team will work to restore your rights and help you move forward.
Contact Chambers Law Firm for a Consultation
If you’ve been convicted of a crime and are exploring your options for post-conviction relief, a governor’s pardon could be the key to regaining your rights. Contact Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 for a free consultation to discuss your eligibility and how we can assist you in pursuing a pardon or other forms of relief. Let us help you take the next step toward a brighter future.
