Who is eligible for a Certificate of Relief?
By law, individuals eligible for a Certificate of Relief have not been convicted of more than one felony. For this purpose, two or more felony convictions stemming from the same indictment count as one felony. Two or more convictions stemming from two or more separate indictments filed in the same court, prior to conviction under any of them, also count as one felony. 
 
The Parole Board may also issue a Certificate of Relief to eligible offenders who have been convicted in another jurisdiction but who now live in New York State. A Certificate of Relief may be issued upon an eligible individual's release from a correctional facility or at any time thereafter.

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1. When do I need a Certificate of Relief?
2. If I received Youthful Offender do I need a Certificate?
3. What does a Certificate of Relief do?
4. Who grants Certificates?
5. When are Certificates issued and how do I apply?
6. If I was sentenced in one county but my Probation was transferred to another county to which court do I go?
7. Can I get a hunting license and carry guns if I get a Certificate of Relief?
8. Can I serve on jury duty if I get a Certificate of Relief?
9. For how long is a Certificate good?
10. What can I do if I have more than one felony conviction?
11. Are there protections against discrimination based on criminal convictions?
12. What does "mandatory disabilities" mean?
13. What are some of the employment and licenses from which formerly incarcerated individuals may be barred?
14. How can mandatory disabilities be removed?
15. Who is eligible for a Certificate of Relief?
16. What effect does a Certificate of Relief have on my status?
17. Who is eligible to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct?
18. What effect does a Certificate of Good Conduct have on my status?
19. Where can I obtain more information about Certificates of Relief and Good Conduct, or licensing and employment?