A certificate of relief from disabilities is meant to reduce the automatic rejection and community isolation that often accompanies the conviction of crimes and contributes to the complete rehabilitation of first offenders and their successful return to responsible lives in the community.
A criminal conviction can have a number of collateral consequences that could potentially hinder eligibility for financial aid for education and housing, for the right to vote, and in finding employment. Any one of these obstacles make it difficult for an offender to re-integrate into society.
Offenders who have been convicted of a crime or of an offense, but have not been convicted of more than one felony are eligible and can apply for this certificate. If a Certificate of Relief is requested for a conviction whereby the person is currently on probation, the Certificate will only be temporary.