Employment Licenses Consequences
Over 100 jobs require you to have a license, registration or certification by a state agency before you can work. Many laws prevent you from getting an employment license or take your license away when you have a criminal conviction. Some common examples include real estate, stockbroker, nursing, accountant, and security guard licenses.
Visit Collateral Consequences Basics to check if a specific crime or offense affects your employment license.
Getting Rights Back
If you want to get or renew a license for a job, but you are barred because of your criminal history, you may be able to get a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct to lift the bar. Visit Getting Rights Back, to learn more. The Legal Action Center has a spreadsheet that may also help you see what the penalties are for different jobs and if they can be lifted.
Commercial Driver License
If you are convicted of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) crime or offense, or refuse a chemical test, a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities cannot help you get back your commercial driver license. This is true even if it is your first offense, even if you were driving in a non-commercial vehicle when you were arrested, even if you have proof of complete rehabilitation, and even if the offense happened outside New York.
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