Certificate of Good Conduct

Certificates of good conduct, like certificates of relief, were made available by the Legislature to help people with a conviction become rehabilitated and lead a fulfilling life afterward. The key difference is eligibility: a Certificate of Good Conduct is available to a person with more than one felony conviction, whereas a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities is limited to those with no more than one felony.

Eligibility and waiting periods

To obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct, an applicant must demonstrate conduct warranting the certificate over a required period, measured from the most recent conviction or release from incarceration or supervision. The minimum good-conduct waiting periods are:

• Five years for a Class A or Class B felony;
• Three years for a Class C, D, or E felony.

During that period the applicant must have maintained good conduct.

What the certificate can restore

A Certificate of Good Conduct can remove legal bars and forfeitures that flow from a conviction and restore rights lost as a result — and, unlike some relief, it may restore eligibility to hold public office. As with a Certificate of Relief, it can help protect against being denied a license or employment solely because of the conviction under Correction Law Article 23-A.

How Sullivan & Brill can help

We evaluate whether you meet the waiting-period and good-conduct requirements, assemble the application and supporting proof, and present it to the appropriate authority. If you have only one felony conviction, a Certificate of Relief may be the faster path; see also our guide on how to apply.

Frequently asked questions