New York Criminal Appeals & Post-Conviction Attorneys
Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities
A Certificate of Relief can restore rights and licenses lost to a conviction — and creates a legal presumption of rehabilitation.
- Federal & state trial defense
- Founding partner Steven Brill · since 2001
- Free & confidential · 24/7
A Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities restores rights and removes bars to employment and licensing that follow a conviction. Authorized by Correction Law §753, it advances New York's policy to "encourage the licensure and employment of persons previously convicted," and under §753(2) it creates a presumption of rehabilitation. It is available to a person convicted of a crime who has no more than one felony conviction (multiple misdemeanors are permitted).
Certificates of relief from disabilities were created by the Legislature to help people who have a conviction become rehabilitated and lead a fulfilling life afterward. Correction Law §753(1)(a), which authorizes the certificate, recognizes that it is the public policy of New York to “encourage the licensure and employment of persons previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses.”
Who is eligible
To be eligible for a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities, a person must have been convicted but cannot have been convicted of more than one felony. (A felony is an offense for which a sentence of more than one year — or death — may be imposed.) A person with multiple misdemeanor convictions, but no more than one felony, may still qualify.
What the certificate does — and does not do
A certificate can offset many of the common consequences of a conviction. It can be used to restore the right to vote and, importantly, to protect a professional license, permit, employment, or franchise. Under Correction Law Article 23-A, which governs this relief, an eligible person generally cannot be denied a license or employment solely because of the conviction — unless there is a direct relationship between the offense and the specific license or job sought, or granting it would create an unreasonable risk to the public. Under §753(2), with respect to a public agency or private employer, the certificate creates a presumption of rehabilitation.
How Sullivan & Brill can help
In many cases a Certificate of Relief does not require a lawyer — see our step-by-step guide on how to apply. Where the process is contested or complex, we prepare and present the application and supporting proof. If you have more than one felony conviction, you may instead need a Certificate of Good Conduct, and if your conviction is eligible you may also consider sealing under CPL 160.59.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities?
A person convicted of a crime who has no more than one felony conviction. Multiple misdemeanor convictions do not disqualify you.
Does the certificate create a presumption of rehabilitation?
Yes. Correction Law §753(2) provides that the certificate creates a presumption of rehabilitation with respect to a public agency or private employer.
Can it restore my right to vote or protect my license?
Yes. A Certificate of Relief can restore the right to vote and help protect a professional license, permit, employment, or franchise from being denied solely because of the conviction.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
Not always. Many people apply on their own — see our how-to-apply guide. Sullivan & Brill can assist where the application is contested or complicated.
Free & confidential · Available 24/7
Charged with a crime in New York? Talk to Steven Brill today.
The decisions you make early can shape the entire case. Get a free, confidential assessment of your charges and your options — no pressure, no obligation.