Why should I apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?

A Certificate of Good Conduct can be extremely beneficial when you are seeking employment or applying for an occupational license. A public agency or private employer must give consideration to a certificate of good conduct issued to an applicant and the certificate "shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified therein." This means that your conviction should not result in your being rejected for employment or refused a license unless there is other evidence that you are not qualified.

However, a certificate does not completely protect you from being denied employment or a license because of your criminal record. A certificate is not a pardon and does not remove your convictions from your record. You must still list your convictions on job applications where the question is asked. Furthermore, the convictions will still appear on your rap sheet and be considered when applying for a license. The law does allow an employer or licensing agency to refuse to employ or license an applicant where your convictions are "job-related."

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