Obtaining Reinstatement of Occupational Licenses
Some industries have laws that limit people with criminal records from obtaining a license to work or obtain employment in such fields Illinois law provides some assistance to individuals convicted of a crime who want to obtain a license and/or employment in such industries by offering the opportunity to obtain a Certificate of Relief From Disabilities, pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/5-5.5 et seq. The certificate is a court order that says the court has found a person to be rehabilitated.

A Certificate of Relief From Disabilities may be issued to an eligible offender for a conviction that occurred in that court if the court imposed the sentence. The Certificate of Relief from Disabilities may be issued at the time the sentence is pronounced or later by verified application to the court.

When Can the Court Issue a Certificate
A Certificate of Good Conduct may be issued by the circuit court where the conviction was entered. To receive a Certificate of Good Conduct, a rehabilitation review is held where an eligible offender must satisfy the court that three criteria are met. The 3 criteria are:

1. The applicant has conducted himself or herself in a manner warranting the issuance of a Certificate of Good Conduct for a specified period of time as required by the statute.
   • If the most serious crime of which the individual was convicted is a misdemeanor, the minimum period of good conduct is 1 year.
   • If the most serious crime of which the individual was convicted is a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 felony, the minimum period of good conduct is 3 years.
2. The relief to be granted by the Certificate of Good Conduct is consistent with the rehabilitation of the applicant.
3. The relief to be granted is consistent with the public interest.