Certificate of Rehabilitation of Pardons Investigation

A Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon is a court order declaring that an individual convicted of a felony has now been rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon is granted by the court, it is ultimately transmitted to the Governor’s office and constitutes the application for a pardon.

Under California Penal Code section 4852.12, a judge can request the District Attorney’s Office to conduct an investigation. Penal Code section 4852.05 requires the individual requesting the Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon shall live an honest and upright life, shall conduct himself or herself with sobriety and industry, shall exhibit a good moral character, and shall conform to and obey the laws of the land. Adherence to these factors is the basis of the District Attorney’s Office investigation.

In order to apply in our county, the individual must be a resident of Alameda County or his or her conviction must have occurred in Alameda County. To ensure that you qualify for a Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon, please read the attached document from the Governor’s Office.

The attached document from the Governor’s Office explains the requirements and procedures for application. The individual must fill out the attached Request for Certificate of Rehabilitation for the court and obtain an assigned docket number before the investigation by the District Attorney’s Office can begin. Additionally, prior to the investigation by the District Attorney’s Office, the individual must fill out and submit a Personal History Questionnaire.

How to Apply for a Pardon (PDF)

Personal History Form (PDF)

Petition to Court for Rehabilitation (PDF)

The investigation shall be conducted by Inspector’s Division of the District Attorney’s Office and can take up to four months to complete upon submission of all proper documents.