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A Pardon from the California Governor

Our expungement lawyers can help you apply for certificates of rehabilitation and California pardons. Contact us for a free consultation to determine if you qualify.

The governor of California has the power to pardon anyone convicted in California of felony or misdemeanor crimes, except that a person twice convicted of felonies must also have the recommendation of the state supreme court.

Pardons are reserved for those who lead an exemplary, crime-free life following a conviction. Except in rare circumstances, the California governor will not consider an application for pardon until the applicant has been discharged from probation or parole for at least 10 years.

What Are The Benefits of a California Pardon?

A full pardon restores all the “rights, privileges and franchises” that the person was deprived of because of the conviction. California Penal Code 4853.

A California pardon restores the person’s right to own and possess guns and firearms, unless he was convicted of an offense involving the use of a dangerous weapon.

A California pardon may relieve a registered sex offender of the duty to register under Penal Code 290.

However, a California pardon does not seal, destroy or expunge the record of conviction (these can often be done under a separate procedure).

Nor does the pardon relieve a person of the duty to admit to a conviction if asked about it in the course of applying for a state license. But a pardoned individual may say that he was convicted and pardoned, in which case many licensing boards will no longer hold the conviction against the license-seeker.

How Does One Apply for a California Pardon?

There are two different procedures for applying for a California pardon: (1) directly to the governor, or (2) through the Superior Court, by way of a certificate of rehabilitation.

A direct pardon is an application directly to the governor. Notice must be given to the district attorney, and the Board of Prison Terms will often investigate the request. A direct pardon is the method used by someone ineligible for a certificate of rehabilitation, such as nonresidents and those convicted of misdemeanors.

If one seeks a pardon by way of a certificate of rehabilitation, and the certificate is granted, then the court forwards the certificate to the governor as an application for a pardon. This is the preferred method, since it means the superior court has already inquired into the matter and the court endorses the applicant as successfully rehabilitated.

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If you or a loved one faces misdemeanor or felony charges, contact our California criminal defense attorneys for help. We'd be glad to meet with you for a free consultation at one of our local criminal law offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Long Beach, Orange County, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino or Riverside.

Burbank Office:
3500 West Olive Ave.
3rd Floor
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 904-5863

Glendale Office:
450 North Brand
6th Floor
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 904-5863

Long Beach Office:
444 West Ocean Blvd.
Suite 800
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 633-8155

Los Angeles Office:
5670 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1350
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(310) 860-5605

Newport Beach Office:
4590 MacArthur Blvd
5th Floor
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-4692

Pasadena Office:
790 East Colorado Blvd.
9th Floor
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 345-0983

Rancho Cucamonga Office:
3200 Guasti Road
Suite 100
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 483-2814

Riverside Office:
4480 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 734-5216
 

San Bernardino Office:
198 N. Arrowhead Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 863-5500

San Francisco Office:
101 California Street
Suite 2450
San Francisco CA 94111
(415) 333-0300

Santa Ana Office:
500 North State College Blvd.
Suite 1100
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 288-9455

Van Nuys Office:
15303 Ventura Boulevard
9th Floor
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 904-5863

Ventura Office:
2625 Townsgate Road
Suite 330
Westlake Village, CA 91361
(805) 648-1680

If you'd like further assistance...

Join us to discuss your criminal case at any of our
local offices: You can also contact us 24/7 at
888.327.4652 for a free consultation

West Covina Office:
100 N. Barranca Ave
West Covina, CA 91791
(626) 345-0983
 

Copyright © 2009 Shouse Law Group - California Governor Pardon Attorneys - Criminal Record Expungement Lawyers - Los Angeles Criminal Defense Law Firm - All rights reserved.

California Governor Pardon Attorney Disclaimer: Some of the terms that pertain to our practice include, but are not limited to: Los Angeles expungement lawyer, Long Beach expungement attorney, clear criminal records, purge criminal records, seal and destroy juvenile records, background checks, avoid sex offender registration, apply for certificate of rehabilitation, apply for governor's pardon, San Bernardino expungement attorney, Orange County expungement lawyer, clear arrest records, felony reduction to misdemeanor, expunge felony and misdemeanor convictions. We serve clients in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange Counties, including the cities of Glendale, Burbank, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, Chino and Rancho Cucamonga. None of the content on this website should be construed as formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Void where prohibited by law.

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