How could a Governor’s pardon help me?

A Governor’s Pardon can restore many of the rights and benefits that you lost because of your conviction. A pardon MAY:

    Restore your right to serve on a jury;[3176]
    Restore your California gun rights (UNLESS you were convicted of a felony involving the use of a dangerous weapon);[3177]
    Permit you to work as a county probation officer or state parole agent*;[3178]
    Relieve certain people of their duty to register as “sex offenders,” who would otherwise still be required to register after getting a Certificate of Rehabilitation (see PG. 982).[3179]
  1. 3176

    Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 203(a)(5).

  2. 3177

    Cal. Penal Code §§ 4852.17, 4854. A pardon by the Governor may restore your California firearm privileges, however, it will not necessarily restore your federal firearm privileges, which contain stricter prohibitions.

  3. 3178

    Cal. Gov’t Code § 1203. However, you still will not be eligible for any other peace officer positions.

  4. 3179

    Cal. Penal Code § 290.5.