Certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct are documents that can help people with convictions obtain employment, housing, and other benefits.
A Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities is a Certificate issued by a Court or the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision which restores a person's civil right following a conviction. It can also be used to restore a person's firearms rights.
Processing normally takes approximately 10 working days. Accepted types of documentation and identification required for obtaining a Certificate of Conduct are listed below. Documents must be original. No document photocopies, pictures of documents or laminated documents will be accepted.
Can I get a hunting license and carry guns if I get a Certificate of Relief? The New York State Penal Law section 265.20 states a person must be in possession of a Certificate of Good Conduct to legally possess a firearm if they have been convicted of a felony or serious offense.
A Certificate of Good Conduct is a court order that says someone has rehabilitated from past criminal conduct, relieving previously incarcerated people from barriers to employment or housing resulting from being convicted of a crime. Certificates of Good Conduct are not considered pardons.
If you have completed your sentence, you may apply directly to the Certificate Review Unit of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for a Certificate of Relief or Good Conduct.