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Parsed Table of Contents
Benjamin Golder edited this page Jan 29, 2017
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Below is a content hierarchy parsed from the table of contents sections of all chapters.
0· I. INTRODUCTION 27
1· · · · What is identification (ID) and why is it important? 27
2· · · · Why do I need identification (ID)? 27
3· · · · I have a prison or jail ID. Isn’t that enough to identify myself? 27
4· · · · What are the most important forms of ID for me to have? 27
5· · · · I don’t have any ID right now. Where would be the best place to start & when is the best time? 27
6· · · · I have used different names (“aliases”). What name is best to use on my ID documents? 28
7· · · · Can I legally change my name? 28
8· · · · I am an undocumented person. Can I get an official form of ID if I am undocumented? 28
9· II. BIRTH CERTIFICATE 31
10· · · · What is a birth certificate and why would I need it? 31
11· · · · What is the general process for getting a copy of my birth certificate? 31
12· · · · What is a “certified” copy of my birth certificate? What is an “authorized” copy? What is an “informational” copy? Which would be best to get? 33
13· · · · Why do I need an “authorized certified copy” instead of just an “informational certified copy”? 33
14· · If You Were Born in the U.S.—Different Situations: 33
15· · · (1) If you were born in California: 33
16· · · · I was born in California. How do I get an authorized copy of my birth certificate? 33
17· · · · I want to get my birth certificate from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). What is the process? 34
18· · · · I was born in California and know my county of birth. How do I get my birth certificate directly from the county I was born in? 35
19· · · · How do I locate the county recorder’s office? 35
20· · · · If I use the county recorder’s office, is it best to request my birth certificate by mail or in person? 35
21· · · (2) If you were born in the U.S. outside of California: 36
22· · · · I was born in a state other than California. How do I get an authorized copy of my birth certificate? 36
23· · · (3) If you were born in the U.S., but no record of your birth was found: 37
24· · · · What if I was born in the U.S., but there is no record of my birth? 37
25· · If You Were Adopted/ Don’t Know Where Born: 37
26· · · · I am adopted and I don’t know where I was born. What can I do? 37
27· · If You Were Born Outside of the U.S.—Different Situations: 38
28· · · (1) If you are a U.S. Citizen born to U.S. Citizen parent(s) in another country 38
29· · · · I was born outside of the U.S., but I am a U.S. Citizen because one or both of my parents was a U.S. Citizen. How do I get certification of my birth and citizenship? 38
30· · · (2) If you were born in another country and you are not a U.S. Citizen 39
31· · · · I am not a U.S. Citizen. How do I get my birth certificate from a foreign country? 39
32· · · (3) If you are a “Naturalized Citizen” 39
33· · · · I am a naturalized citizen. Do I need my birth certificate? 39
34· III. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER & CARD 40
35· · · · What is a social security number (SSN) and what is a social security card? What is the difference and do I need both? 40
36· · · · Why do I need to know my SSN? 40
37· · · · I have a SSN, but I forgot it/never knew it. How do I find out what it is? 40
38· · · · I don't think I ever got a SSN. Can I get one now? 41
39· · Pre-release Planning—Getting a Social Security Card While Incarcerated: 41
40· · · · Can I get a social security card while I am still incarcerated? 41
41· · · · How do I get a replacement card while I am incarcerated? 41
42· · · · How do I find out if my correctional facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the Social Security Administration (ssa)? 42
43· · · · How do I apply for my replacement card from inside? 42
44· · Post-release—Getting a Social Security Card After You’re Out: 43
45· · · · I am formerly incarcerated, and I used to have a SSN. How do I get a replacement social security card? 43
46· · · Getting Social Security Card in person 43
47· · · · I want to get a replacement Social Security card in person (which is recommended). How do I do that? 43
48· · · Getting Social Security Card by mail 44
49· · · · I want to get a replacement Social Security card by mail. How do i do that? 44
50· · · · I am formerly incarcerated, and I’ve never had a SSN. How do I get an original Social Security number & card? 45
51· IV. California’s forms of identification: State ID Card, DRIVER LICENSE & MUNICIPAL ID 46
52· · · · Which one is right for me—a State ID Card or a Driver License? What’s the difference? 46
53· · Pre-release Planning—Getting a CA State ID or CA Driver License While Incarcerated 47
54· · · · I am currently incarcerated. Can I apply for a CA state ID or a CA Driver license? 47
55· · · · What is the CAL-ID program? 47
56· · · · In what facilities is the CAL-ID program available? 48
57· · · · Who is eligible for the CAL-ID program? 48
58· · · · I think I am eligible under the CAL-ID program. How do I apply? 49
59· · · · How do I learn more about the CAL-ID Program? 49
60· · Post-release—Getting a CA State ID or Driver License After You’re Out 49
61· · · · I am formerly incarcerated and want to get a California state ID. How do I apply? 49
62· · · · I am formerly incarcerated and want to get a California Driver License. How do I apply? 51
63· · Driver License Suspensions & Revocations 57
64· · · · My Driver License has been suspended or revoked. What does this mean? How can I get it back? 57
65· · · · What does it mean if my license was suspended? 57
66· · · · What does it mean if my license was revoked? 57
67· · · · If my license was suspended or revoked, could I get my driving privileges back? 58
68· · · · My license was suspended in another state. Will I be able to get a California driver license? 60
69· · · · What laws could negatively affect me if I am trying to get (or keep) a California driver license? 61
70· · · · Does getting my criminal conviction expunged help me get my suspended or revoked driver license back? 63
71· · · · What type of ID can I get if I am undocumented? 63
72· V. U.S. PASSPORT 64
73· · · · Why would a U.S. Passport useful? Why might I need one? 64
74· · · · Who is eligible for a U.S. Passport? 64
75· · · · How do I apply for a U.S. Passport? 65
76· · · · How do I know if I need to apply for a passport in person or if I can apply by mail? 65
77· · · · How do I apply in person for a new U.S. Passport? 66
78· · · · How do I apply by mail for a renewal of my U.S. Passport? 68
79· VI. Tribal ID Card 70
80· · · · What is a tribal ID card and why would I need it? 70
81· · · · How do I get a tribal ID card? 70
82· · · · If I am registered with a tribe, will they have other identification documents on file for me or my family members? 70
83· VII. LIBRARY CARD 71
84· · · · What are the benefits of having a library card? 71
85· · · · Why would I get a library card? 71
86· · · · How do I get a library card? 71
87· VIII. VOTER REGISTRATION 73
88· · · · Why register to vote? 73
89· · · · Who can register to vote in California? 73
90· · · · I have a criminal record. Can I register to vote in California? 73
91· · · · I lost my voting rights while serving a felony sentence/ on state parole. What is the process for regaining my ability to vote? 74
92· · · · I don’t know my supervision status. How do I find out? 75
93· · · · What if I voted in an election that I was not legally allowed to vote in? 75
94· · Registering to Vote in CA: 75
95· · · · I want to vote in the next election. When is the last day I can register to vote in California? 75
96· · · · I don’t have official photo ID. Can I still register to vote? 75
97· · · · I’m homeless. Can I still register to vote in California? 76
98· · · · Since the last time I registered to vote, my address, name, political party or supervision status has changed. Do I have to re-register? 76
99· · · · I have other questions about registering to vote in California. Who can I ask for help? 76
100· · · · How do I register to vote in California? What is the application process? 76
101· · Voting on Election Day 78
102· · · · I registered to vote. Where, when, and how do I vote in the next election? 78
103· · · · When is election day? 78
104· · · · Can I get time off from work to vote in California? 78
105· · · · I have a physical disability. Can I get help getting access to my voting location? 79
106· · · · English isn’t my first language. Can I get a ballot in my native language? 79
107· · · · I can’t read, and/or I physically can’t vote by myself. Can I get help in the voting booth? 79
108· · · · What could happen if I voted in an election that I was not legally allowed to vote in? 79
109· IX. SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION 80
110· · · · What is the Selective Service system & why is it important? 80
111· · · · Who is required to register with the Selective Service? 80
112· · · · Who is not required to register with Selective Service? 80
113· · · · When do I register with the Selective Service? 81
114· · · · How do I register with the Selective Service? 81
115· · Issues with Selective Service Registration 82
116· · · · I registered with the Selective Service, but I lost my registration number and my proof of registration. How can I get these? 82
117· · · · It’s been more than 30 days since I turned 18, and I haven’t registered with the Selective Service. Can I still register? 82
118· · · · I am 26 or older and never registered with the Selective Service—and don’t fall into any of the legal exceptions. What are some POSSIBLE consequences? 82
119· · · · I am 26 or older and never registered with the Selective Service. Now i’m disqualified from certain government benefits and programs. What are my options? 82
120· · · · How do I get a Selective Service “status information letter?” 83
121· · · How Selective Service registration affects going back to school 84
122· · · · I’ve heard that if I didn't apply for the Selective Service when I was younger, it can affect my ability to go back to school now that I am released and in the community? Is that true? What can I do? 84
123· X. CONCLUSION 85
124· ID & VOTING APPENDIX 86
125· I. Introduction 142
126· · · · What is community supervision? 142
127· · · · Why is it important to know what type of supervision I am on, and the rules of that supervision department? 142
128· · · · What are the main types of supervision in California? 142
129· · · · What is the difference between the state & federal systems? 144
130· · · · I’m not sure what type of supervision I am on or going to be on. How do I find out? 144
131· · Key Terms in the Parole & Probation Chapter 145
132· II. State parole 146
133· · Basics of State Parole 146
134· · · · What is California state parole? 146
135· · · · I am currently incarcerated in California state prison, and preparing for release. Will I be required to serve a parole term after I get released from prison? 147
136· · · · When is the Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) vs. Parole assessment done? 147
137· · After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on State Parole 147
138· · · · What are some my responsibilities when I first get out of state prison under state parole supervision? 147
139· · · · What county will I be paroled to, and who decides? 149
140· · · · Is there any form of financial assistance from parole when I first get out? 149
141· · Length of State Parole 152
142· · · · Where will I see the length of my parole? And who calculates it? 152
143· · · · If I am on state parole, what law sets the length of my parole? 153
144· · · · What can I do if I think that the length of my parole is miscalculated? 155
145· · · · I filed a form 602 administrative appeal about my parole length, and was denied at all three levels of review, or it is way past when a formal response was due to me but I never got one. Now that I have “exhausted” (completed) the administrative appeals process, how do I file a state petition for a writ of habeas corpus? 159
146· · Getting Off State Parole 159
147· · · · Can I get off state parole early? 159
148· · · · What should happen when I reach my presumptive discharge date (PDD)? 159
149· · · · What are my rights at the presumptive discharge (PDD) review process? 160
150· · · · Do I have a right to appear at the PDD review before the Board of Parole Hearings (BPH)? 160
151· · · · On what basis can the BPH decide to keep me on parole past my PDD instead of letting me off early? 161
152· · · · What happens if the BPH decides to continue my parole? 161
153· · · · Can I appeal the BPH’s decision to keep me on parole past my PDD? Where can I look for arguments to support my appeal? 161
154· · · · What happens if I don’t get notice of a BPH decision within 30 days after my PDD? 161
155· · Conditions of State Parole 162
156· · · General Conditions for Every Person on State Parole 162
157· · · General Conditions of State Parole: Little Protection Against Invasion of Privacy, Searches & Seizures 163
158· · · · What are my rights to privacy of my person, residence, or property while on parole? 164
159· · · · Are there any additional limitations on searches while I’m on parole? 164
160· · · · What action can/should I take if a parole or law enforcement officer conducts a search that I believe is unlawful? 165
161· · Additional Laws That Apply to All People on State Parole 165
162· · · · What are other laws & restrictions that apply to me and all people on state parole? 166
163· · · Special (Extra) Conditions of State Parole: Conditions that only apply to certain individuals on parole 167
164· · · · Who sets the special conditions of parole, and how do they decide? 167
165· · · · What is my parole plan? 168
166· · · · What are examples of common special conditions of state parole? 168
167· · · · When will I find out the conditions of my parole, and if any extra (special) conditions have been added? 169
168· · · · Am I legally protected from having certain unfair extra (special) conditions imposed on me? 169
169· · Special Conditions for Sex Offenders 170
170· · · · If I must register as a sex offender, what are the additional mandatory conditions of my parole? 170
171· · · · Are there any exceptions to these mandatory special parole conditions for registered sex offenders? 171
172· · Special Conditions for Mentally Disordered Offenders (MDOs) 173
173· · · · What does it mean to be classified as a mentally disordered offender (MDO)—and what are the mandatory special conditions placed on MDOs on state parole? 173
174· · · · Who determines whether a person on parole is classified as an MDO, and what is the process for making this decision? 173
175· · · · Can I challenge an MDO determination? If so, what is the process? 173
176· · · · If I am found to be an MDO, and I want to be seen as an outpatient, is that possible? 174
177· · · · If I am found to be an MDO, when and how often is my MDO status reviewed? 174
178· · · · Can the Department of STate Hospitals (DSH) hold me beyond my Maximum Discharge Date (MDD)? 174
179· · How to Challenge State Parole Conditions 175
180· · · · How could I challenge a condition of parole that I believe is unlawful and invalid? 175
181· · · · How could I challenge a parole condition that is a problem for me because of a disability that I have? 176
182· · Transfer Locations on State Parole 177
183· · · · I want to transfer my parole to another county. How can I do that? 177
184· · · · I am on state parole—or any other type of supervision—and I want to transfer to another state. How can I do that? 179
185· · Your Rights as a Parolee with a Disability 181
186· · · · I have a disability. What rights do I have on state parole to get accommodations for my disability? 181
187· · · · How will my parole officer know about my disability & any accommodations that I need? 181
188· · · · What kinds of accommodations must Parole make for me if I have a disability? 181
189· · · · If parole is not accommodating my disability and I feel I am not getting fair treatment or equal access to parole services or programs, what can I do? 182
190· · · · What rights do I have during a parole revocation hearing to accommodate my disability? 182
191· · State Parole Violations & Revocations 183
192· · · · What were the major changes to the way that parole revocation hearings work under realignment (as of july 1, 2013)? 183
193· · · · If I am suspected of a parole violation, who has the authority to arrest me? Do they need a warrant to arrest me? 184
194· · · · What happens if I am arrested for an alleged parole violation? 184
195· · · · What law governs (sets out the rules for) the hearing? 185
196· · · · Who represents the interest of parole/the state of California in the hearing? 186
197· · · · Who represents me if I cannot afford an attorney? 186
198· · · · What is the legal standard for finding a person guilty of a parole violation? 186
199· · · · If I go to jail on a parole violation, am I entitled to bail? 186
200· · · · What rights do I have during a parole revocation hearing? 186
201· · · · What happens if a “material” (very important) state witness doesn’t show up to the parole revocation hearing, even though he/she was required to attend? 187
202· · · · Can the district attorney introduce evidence at my parole hearing that was found in an unlawful search & seizure? 188
203· · · · If the judge revokes my parole and orders me back into custody, where will I serve and for how long? 188
204· · · · What rights do I have if I am a person with a disability going through parole revocation proceedings? 189
205· · · · How do I challenge (appeal) a parole revocation decision or action made by the county superior court? 189
206· · · · What types of issues could I bring up in a challenge to parole revocation proceedings, decisions, or actions? 190
207· · · · What is the process for appealing a decison made by CDCR? 190
208· III. COUNTY PROBATION and NEW FORMS OF COUNTY-LEVEL SUPERVISION 191
209· · · · What is county probation? 191
210· · · · How did California’s “Realignment law” change California’s probation System? 192
211· · · · What types of supervision now fall under the control of county probation after realignment? 192
212· · Informal Probation (also known as Summary Probation or court probation) 193
213· · · Basics of Informal Probation 193
214· · · · What is Informal probation (also known as summary probation or court probation)? 193
215· · · · Who will monitor me under Informal Probation? 193
216· · · After Release: What to Expect in your first days out on Informal Probation 193
217· · · · What are some good first steps to take when I am first placed onto informal probation? 193
218· · · Length of Informal Probation 193
219· · · · How long is informal probation? 193
220· · · Getting Off Informal Probation 194
221· · · · Can I get off informal probation early? 194
222· · · Conditions of Informal Probation 194
223· · · · On informal probation, What kinds of conditions will the court impose on me? 194
224· · · · If I am on informal probation, will I have to report to a probation officer? 195
225· · · · What will the judge look for if I Have to go to court for “progress reports?” 195
226· · · · How do I change a condition of my informal probation? 195
227· · · Transferring Locations on Informal Probation 196
228· · · · How do I transfer MY INFORMAL PROBATION TO A DIFFERENT countY? 196
229· · · · How do I transfer My informal probation to a Different state? 197
230· · · Violations & Revocations on Informal Probation 197
231· · · · What are the rules for violations & revocations of informal probation? 197
232· · Formal Probation 198
233· · · Basics of Formal Probation 198
234· · · · What is formal probation? 198
235· · · · Who will monitor me on formal probation? 198
236· · · After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on Formal Probation 198
237· · · · What are some of my responsibilities when I first get released onto formal probation? 198
238· · · Length of Formal Probation 199
239· · · · How long will I be on formal probation? 199
240· · · · Can I get off formal probation early? 199
241· · · Conditions of Formal Probation 199
242· · · · What are common conditions of formal probation? 199
243· · · · How do I change a condition of my formal probation? 200
244· · · Transferring locations on Formal Probation 200
245· · · · I want to transfer my formal probation to another county. can I do that? 200
246· · · · I am on formal probation and want to transfer to another county. How can I do that? 200
247· · · · I am on formal probation and want to transfer to another state. How can I do that? 201
248· · · Violations & Revocations of Formal Probation 201
249· · · · What are the rules for violations & revocations of formal probation? 201
250· · Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) 201
251· · · Basics of PRCS 201
252· · · · What is Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS)? 201
253· · · · Who will be released from state prison to county supervision on PRCS? 201
254· · · · Who will not be released from state prison to county supervision on PRCS? 202
255· · · · When is the PRCS vs. Parole assessment done? 202
256· · · After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on PRCS 202
257· · · · What must I do when I first get out on PRCS? 202
258· · · · Where will I be released to on PRCS? 202
259· · · · Can I request that CDCR send me to PRCS in a different county than where they want to send me? 203
260· · · Length of PRCS 203
261· · · · Who sets the length of PRCS? 203
262· · · · How long does PRCS supervision last? 203
263· · · · Can I get off PRCS early? 203
264· · · Conditions of PRCS 203
265· · · · What conditions must I follow if I am on PRCS? 203
266· · · · Is there a document where I can find all my PRCS conditions? 203
267· · · · Can I challenge a PRCS condition? 204
268· · · · How do I challenge a PRCS condition? 204
269· · · · What could happen if I do not follow the conditions of my PRCS? 204
270· · · Transferring Locations on PRCS 205
271· · · · How do I transfer my PRCS to another county in California? 205
272· · · · How do I transfer my PRCS to another state? 205
273· · · Violations & Revocations of PRCS 206
274· · · · If the probation department pursues the case in court, do I have the right to a hearing for a PRCS violation petition? 206
275· · · · Do I have the right to a free attorney if I can’t afford one at a PRCS violation hearing? 206
276· · · · If the judge finds that I have violated the terms or conditions of my PRCS, what are possible punishments? 206
277· · · · How can I challenge a court decision revoking my PRCS, or a decision by the hearing officer after a PRCS violation hearing? 206
278· · Mandatory supervision 207
279· · · Basics of Mandatory Supervision 207
280· · · · What is mandatory supervision? 207
281· · · · Who can be released onto mandatory supervision? 207
282· · · After Release: What to Expect in your first days out on mandatory supervision 208
283· · · · What must I do after I get released onto Mandatory Supervision? 208
284· · · Length of Mandatory Supervision 208
285· · · · How long will I be on mandatory supervision? 208
286· · · · Can I get off mandatory supervision early? 208
287· · · Conditions of Mandatory Supervision 208
288· · · · What are the conditions of mandatory supervision? 208
289· · · · Can I earn good time credits on mandatory supervision? 209
290· · · Transferring Locations on Mandatory Supervision 209
291· · · · How do I transfer counties on mandatory supervision? 209
292· · · · How do I transfer states on Mandatory Supervision? 209
293· · · Violations & Revocations of Mandatory Supervision 209
294· · · · What is the probation violation and revocation process on mandatory supervision, and what are my rights in that process? 209
295· · · · What happens if I am unable to abide by the conditions of my mandatory supervision? 209
296· · · Your Rights as a Person with a Disability on Mandatory Supervision 209
297· · · · I have a disability. What rights do I have regarding accommodations for my disability? 209
298· · · · How can I request an accommodation or file a complaint if I feel that probation is not accommodating my disability, or if I am not getting access to probation services or programs? 210
299· · Violations & revocations under county probation supervision of Formal probation, Informal probation, & mandatory supervision 211
300· · · Pre-hearing 211
301· · · · What is the probation revocation process in California? 211
302· · · · What could happen if I don’t follow the conditions of my probation? 211
303· · · · Can I be revoked for not paying restitution? 211
304· · · · Can flash incarceration be used as an intermediate sanction? 211
305· · · · Am I entitled to bail? 212
306· · · · What does the court have the power to do to my probation status? 212
307· · · The Hearing 212
308· · · · What court will hear my case? 212
309· · · · Who hears the cases? 212
310· · · · Who represents the interest of probation in the hearing? 212
311· · · · What does the prosecutor (D.A.) need to prove? 212
312· · · · Do I have a right to notice of the probation revocation hearing? 213
313· · · · Do I have the right to an attorney at the hearing? 213
314· · · · What rights do I have during a probation revocation hearing? 213
315· · · · Can the prosecutor (d.a.) introduce evidence that was obtained in violation of my fourth amendment right against unlawful search & seizure at my probation revocation proceeding? 214
316· · · · Can a witness be excused from testifying in front of me at a probation revocation hearing? 215
317· · · · What happens if a very important witness doesn’t show up to the probation revocation hearing, even though he/she was required to attend? 215
318· · · Sentencing 215
319· · · · How long can I be sentenced to jail time for a probation revocation? 215
320· · · · Could I be sentenced to prison instead of jail for a probation revocation? 216
321· · · · If my probation is revoked and terminated, how long will I be sent to prison or jail? 216
322· · · Challenging a Revocation decision 217
323· · · · What rights do I have if I am a person with a disability going through probation revocation proceedings? 217
324· · · · Can I challenge a decision/action by the county superior court? 218
325· IV. Federal community supervision: federal probation 219
326· · Basics of Federal Probation 219
327· · · · What is federal probation? 219
328· · · · Who is supervised by federal probation? 220
329· · After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on Federal Probation 220
330· · · · When must I report to my probation officer? 220
331· · Length of Federal Probation 221
332· · · · How long is my supervision under federal probation? 221
333· · · · Can I get off of federal probation early? 221
334· · · · Could my time on federal probation be extended beyond the original sentence? 222
335· · Conditions of Federal Probation 222
336· · · · What are conditions of federal probation, and why are they important? 222
337· · · · Where can I find a written statement of my conditions of federal probation? 223
338· · · · How often do I have to see my probation officer if I am on federal probation? 223
339· · · · What is the difference between mandatory & discretionary conditions? 223
340· · · · What are the mandatory conditions on federal probation? 224
341· · · · What are additional mandatory conditions that only certain people on Federal Probation have to follow? 224
342· · · · What discretionary conditions will I have to follow on federal probation? 225
343· · · · What rules must the judge follow when ordering discretionary conditions on my federal probation? 225
344· · · · Can I ask that my conditions of federal probation be changed? 226
345· · · · Can I challenge unlawful discretionary conditions that were added on to my federal probation? 226
346· · · · How can I challenge unlawful discretionary conditions that were added on to my federal probation? 227
347· · Transfer Locations on Federal Probation 227
348· · · · I am on federal probation or supervised release, and I want to move. How can I do that? 227
349· · · · I am on federal probation and want to move/transfer to a new state. How can I do that? 228
350· · · · What are some positive factors that could help my request to move/ transfer be approved? 229
351· · · · What are some negative factors that could hurt the chances of my request to move/ transfer from being approved? 229
352· · · · I am on federal probation or supervised release. Is it possible to move while a transfer investigation is still pending? 230
353· · · · Can I challenge a denial of my transfer request? 230
354· · · · I am on federal probation, and I’m trying to move in with someone who lives in government-assisted housing (like public housing, section 8, or a voucher program), can I still move in? 230
355· · Violations & Revocations—For BOTH Federal Probation and Supervised Release 231
356· · Disabilities & Federal Probation 231
357· V. FEDERAL COMMUNITY SUPERVISION: sUPERVISED RELEASE 232
358· · Basics of Supervised Release 232
359· · · · What is supervised release? 232
360· · After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on Supervised Release 232
361· · Length of Supervised Release 233
362· · · · How long is my supervision under supervised release? 233
363· · · · Can I get off supervised release early? 233
364· · · · What factors can the judge consider? 233
365· · Conditions of Supervised Release 234
366· · · · What are conditions of supervised release, and why are they important? 234
367· · · · What is the difference between mandatory & discretionary conditions of supervised release? 234
368· · · · Where can I find a written statement of my conditions of supervised release? 235
369· · · · How often do I have to see my probation officer if I am on supervised release? 235
370· · · · What are the mandatory conditions that apply to me and everyone else on superVISed release? 235
371· · · · What are additional mandatory conditions that only certain people on Supervised Release have to follow? 236
372· · · · Are there any additional conditions I will have to follow on supervised release? 236
373· · · · What rules must the judge follow when ordering discretionary conditions on my supervised release? 236
374· · · · What discretionary conditions will I have to follow on supervised release? 237
375· · · · What additional discretionary conditions may I have to follow on supervised release? 238
376· · · · Can my conditions of supervised release be changed? 238
377· · · · How do I challenge unlawful discretionary conditions that were added on to my supervised release? 239
378· · Transfer Locations on Supervised Release 240
379· · · · I am on federal probation or supervised release, and I want to move. How can I do that? 240
380· · · · I am on supervised release and want to move/transfer to a new state. How can I do that? 241
381· · · · What are some positive factors that could help my request to move/ transfer be approved? 242
382· · · · What are some negative factors that could hurt the chances of my request to move/ transfer from being approved? 242
383· · · · I am on federal probation or supervised release. Is it possible to move while a transfer investigation is still pending? 242
384· · · · Can I challenge a denial of my transfer request? 243
385· · · · I am on supervised release, and I’m trying to move in with someone I know. If my family member or the person who I want to move in with lives in government-assisted housing (like public housing, section 8, or a voucher program), can I still move in? 243
386· · Violations & Revocations—For Both Federal Probation and Supervised Release 244
387· · · · What is a violation of my federal probation or supervised release? 244
388· · · · Can my U.S. probation officer send me back to prison? 244
389· · · · What could the court do if it finds that I violated my federal probation or supervised release? 244
390· · · · When is revocation of federal probation or supervised release mandatory? 245
391· · · · What will happen if my violation was also a new criminal offense? 245
392· · · · What are possible sanctions for an alleged violation of federal probation or supervised release? 245
393· · · · What laws guide the court in sentencing me for my revocation of federal probation or supervised release? 247
394· · · · Can I appeal the court’s revocation decision/action? What court has jurisdiction? 249
395· · · · What will the judge look for when reviewing my appeal? 249
396· · Disabilities & Supervised Release 250
397· VI. Federal community supervision: federal parolE 251
398· · Basics of Federal Parole 251
399· · · · Who is released onto federal parole? 251
400· · · · If I am on federal parole, why do I report to a U.S. probation officer? 251
401· · Before Release: What to Know about Getting Released onto Federal Parole 251
402· · · · I am still incarcerated. What is the legal process for getting released from federal prison onto federal parole? 251
403· · · · What could happen if I refuse to sign the certificate of release? 252
404· · · · Do I have to return to the same community that I came from for my federal parole? 253
405· · · · What is the difference between federal parole and “mandatory release”? 253
406· · · · Is it possible that I be released from federal prison and not be on any type of community supervision? 253
407· · After Release: What to Expect in Your First Days Out on Federal Parole 253
408· · · · After I am released to federal parole, when and to whom must I report? 253
409· · · · I am not a U.S. citizen, and I am told I have an outstanding detainer against me. What is a detainer? What could happen to me? 254
410· · Length of Federal Parole 254
411· · · · How long will I be on federal parole? 254
412· · · · Can I get off federal parole early? 255
413· · · · How does the U.S. Parole Commission decide whether to let me off federal parole early? 255
414· · · · If I am denied early termination of my federal parole, can I challenge the U.S. parole commission’s decision? 256
415· · Conditions of Federal Parole 257
416· · · · What conditions must I follow on federal parole? 257
417· · · General conditions of federal parole 258
418· · · · I am on federal parole. Can I travel outside my federal parole district? 259
419· · · Special conditions of federal parole 259
420· · · · What special conditions could apply to me on federal parole? 259
421· · · · Can federal parole require me to go to a HALFWAY house or require me to undergo drug or alcohol treatment while I’m under supervision? 260
422· · · · If I’m on parole, may I own, use or possess firearms after they are released? 260
423· · · · Can the parole commission change any of my conditions of release? 260
424· · · · After a parolee is released, may any of the conditions be changed? Can additional ones be imposed? 261
425· · Transferring Federal Parole 261
426· · · · I’m on federal parole and I want to transfer to a new district. How can I do that? 261
427· · · · I am on federal parole and want to transfer to another state. How can I do that? 261
428· · · · I am classified as a sex offender and want to transfer to another state. How can I do that? 263
429· · Violations & Revocation of Federal Parole 263
430· · · · What could happen if I violate the conditions of my federal parole (or mandatory release)? 263
431· · · · Who issues an arrest warrant or summons to appear at a hearing if I violate federal parole or mandatory release? 264
432· · · · After a warrant or summons is issued, what happens? 264
433· · · · May a parolee have an attorney at a preliminary interview and revocation hearing? 266
434· · · · Will I be in prison pending hearing? 266
435· · · · Where are the revocation hearings held? 266
436· · · · What is the timeline of the hearing? 267
437· · · · If my hearing is held in a federal institution rather than locally, am I entitled to an attorney and may i present witnesses on my behalf? 267
438· · · · What is the hearing procedure? 267
439· · · · When is revocation mandatory? 267
440· · · · How could I be sentenced for a revocation of federal parole? 267
441· · · · If the commission revokes parole or mandatory release, does a parolee get any credit on the sentence for the time spent under supervision? 268
442· · · · If I get my federal parole revoked, how long must I serve before the parole commission reviews my case again? 268
443· · · · Can I appeal the revocation decision by the U.S. Parole Commission? 268
444· · Disability Rights for People on All Types of Federal Supervision 269
445· · · · I have a disability. What rights do I have on federal probation or parole to have accommodations for my disability? 269
446· · · · How can I file a complaint if I feel that my federal probation officer is not accommodating my disability, or feel that I am not getting access to parole services or programs? 269
447· VII. CONCLUSION 270
448· PAROLE & PROBATION APPENDIX 271
449· I. Introduction 359
450· · Key Terms in the Housing Chapter 359
451· II. Looking for & Identifying Good Housing Options 360
452· · · · What are the first steps I should take in my housing search? 360
453· · · · Can I find housing while I am still incarcerated? 361
454· · · · What are some steps I can take if I am worried about becoming homeless? 362
455· · · · Will my parole or probation officer help me find somewhere to live? 362
456· · · · What are my housing options after release? 363
457· · Short-term housing overview 364
458· · · Staying with family or friends: 364
459· · · Shelters: 364
460· · · Transitional housing programs: 365
461· · · · Can I get into a transitional housing program if I am still incarcerated? 365
462· · · · What may I need to get to be accepted into transitional housing? 365
463· · · Special needs housing—short- or long-term 365
464· · Long-term housing overview 366
465· · · Permanent housing: 366
466· · · Special needs housing—short- or long-term 366
467· · Housing for Special Needs & Populations 366
468· · · Women & Children 366
469· · · Domestic Violence Survivors 368
470· · · Seniors/Elders 370
471· · · Veterans 371
472· · · Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery Housing (also called “Sober Living Environments” or SLE) 373
473· · · 290 Sex Offender Registrants & Residency Restrictions 374
474· · Private vs. Government-Assisted Housing: An overview 375
475· · · · How can I figure out if I am applying to/living in private or government-assisted housing? 375
476· · · Private Housing 375
477· · · Government-Assisted Housing 375
478· · · · Why would I be interested in living in government-assisted housing? 376
479· · · · How can I find government-assisted housing? 376
480· · · · Who is my landlord if I live in some type of government-assisted housing? 376
481· III. APPLYING For & GETTING INTO HOUSING 378
482· · Understanding Housing Eligibility 378
483· · · · What does it mean to be “eligible” for housing? 378
484· · · · Why is it important to understand the eligibility rules of different types of housing? 378
485· · · · What are some of the reasons I could be eligible or ineligible for a housing program? 378
486· · · · How will my criminal record affect my eligibility and application to different types of housing? 379
487· · Criminal Record Bans To Be Aware Of Before You Apply to Housing 379
488· · · 1. Criminal Record Bans in Private Housing 379
489· · · · How can my criminal record affect my chances of getting private housing? 379
490· · · · Can a private landlord refuse to rent to me just because of my criminal record? 380
491· · · · When might I be legally protected from a private landlord discriminating against me due to my criminal record? 380
492· · · 2. Criminal Record Bans in Government-Assisted Housing 382
493· · · · How can my criminal record affect my chances of getting accepted into government-assisted housing? 382
494· · · · Can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) refuse to rent to me just because of my criminal record? 382
495· · · · Where do I find a PHA’s rules & policies about criminal records? 383
496· · · Chart Summarizing Criminal Record Bans in Government-Assisted Housing 384
497· · · Detailed Questions & Answers About Criminal Record Bans in Government-Assisted Housing 388
498· · · · What bans are required in government-assisted housing—for specific types of convictions and specific housing programs? 388
499· · · · What bans are allowed, but not legally required in government-assisted housing—the “catch-all” category of bans that apply to *all people with criminal records*? 394
500· · · · How can I find out the criminal record policies of my local Public Housing Authority (PHA) or of the owner of government-assisted housing? 394
501· · · · Under the “catch-all” ban, can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing deny me for a conviction that I had “expunged”? 395
502· · · · Under the “catch-all” ban, can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner deny me from government-assisted housing for arrests that did not result in a conviction? 395
503· · · · Under the “catch-all” ban, will my participation in a pre-trial intervention or diversion program matter? 396
504· · · · Under the “catch-all” ban, can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing deny my application because of the convictions of family members who live with me? 396
505· · Your Rights Against Illegal Denials from Government-Assisted Housing Because of Your Criminal Record 397
506· · · · How does the law protect me from being denied government-assisted housing because of my criminal record? 397
507· · Improving Your Chances Of Getting Into Government-Assisted Housing—Offering Proof Of Rehabilitation & Mitigating Factors 398
508· · · · What is “proof of mitigating factors?” 398
509· · · · What is “proof of rehabilitation?” 399
510· · · · Do government-assisted housing programs have to consider mitigating circumstances & evidence of rehabilitation? 399
511· · · · When could i show proof of mitigating circumstances and rehabilitation to the PHA or owner of government-assisted housing? 400
512· · · Specific Types of Evidence that Show proof of Mitigating Circumstances & Rehabilitation to Strengthen Your Application to Government-Assisted Housing 401
513· · · · What specific types of evidence will strengthen my housing application to government-assisted housing? 401
514· · · · If I can show the Public Housing Authority (PHA) that I really need the housing, will that help my application? 404
515· IV. ACCESS TO YOUR criminal RECORDS as you apply for Housing 405
516· · An Overview of the Types of Criminal Records that Could Show Up as you Apply For Housing 405
517· · · · What criminal records could show up as I apply for any type of housing? 405
518· · · · Does this Chapter cover what can and Cannot show up in my credit report? 406
519· · · · Can a private landlord, Public Housing Authority (PHA), or owner of government-assisted housing charge me a fee for running a background check/ tenant report on me? 406
520· · Access to Your Criminal Records as You Apply for Private Housing 406
521· · · How Private Landlords Learn About Your Criminal Record 406
522· · · · How do private landlords learn about my criminal record? 406
523· · · Your Rights When a Private Landlord Runs a Criminal Background Check 407
524· · · · What must a private landlord do if they want to get a background check/tenant report on me? 407
525· · · · What information cannot be included in a private background check/tenant report in California? 407
526· · · · Do private background check companies have to make sure the information they report to a landlord in a tenant report is true and accurate? 408
527· · · · Does a private landlord have to tell me that the criminal record information that showed up in a private background check/tenant report is the reason I am not getting the apartment? 408
528· · · Your Rights When a Private Landlord Directly Asks You About Your Criminal Record 408
529· · · · Can a private landlord ask me about convictions or arrests older than 7 years? 408
530· · · Your Rights to Confidentiality When a Private Landlord gathers criminal record information on you 409
531· · · · Does the landlord have to protect and keep confidential my criminal record and other personal information? 409
532· · Access to Your Criminal Records As You Apply For Government-Assisted Housing: 409
533· · · Your Rights When a Government-assisted Housing Provider Runs a Criminal Background Check 409
534· · · · What criminal records can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) access, and who gives the PHA my conviction records? 409
535· · · · Can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) require me to sign a release to get my criminal history information? 410
536· · · · If I am moving into government-assisted housing in a different city or county, can my current Public Housing Authority (PHA) share my criminal history records with the new PHA where I am applying? 410
537· · · · Can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) access my drug treatment records, and if so, under what circumstances? 410
538· · · · What can I do if a Public Housing Authority (PHA) violates my rights in accessing and using my drug treatment information? 411
539· · · · What can owners of federal government-assisted housing see? How do they get my criminal records? 411
540· · · · Can a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing get records of my arrests that didn't lead to convictions? 412
541· · · · Can a Public housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing get my juvenile records? 413
542· · · Your Rights When a Government-assisted Housing Provider Runs a Criminal Background Check—The Rules they must follow 413
543· · · · What are tenant screening reports? 413
544· · · · Who conducts tenant screening checks & provides tenant reports to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) & owners of government-assisted housing? 413
545· · · · Do you have to pay for a screening report? If so, how much does a report cost? 413
546· · · · What must a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing provide me with if it orders a background check/tenant report from a private background check company? 413
547· · · · Do I have any rights if a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing rejects my rental application because of a background check/ tenant report? 414
548· · · · What are my legal rights if a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing illegally accesses or uses my criminal record information? 415
549· · Errors in Your Background Check Report & How to Correct Them—An overview 415
550· · · · Could there be errors in the background check/ tenant report that a housing provider runs on me? 415
551· · · · How can I correct errors in my background check/ tenant report? 416
552· V. Joining Family & Friends in Housing 417
553· · Joining Family or Friends in Private Housing 417
554· · Joining Family or Friends in Government-Assisted Housing 417
555· · · · I have a criminal record and want to join a household living in federal government-assisted housing. Can I? 417
556· · · · I want to join a household living in government-assisted housing. can I? 418
557· · · · Does the family in that household have to report the addition to the home? 419
558· · · · I want to return back to my government-assisted housing unit after a brief period of incarceration. can I do that? 419
559· · · · If I am joining a household, will the PHA or owner of the government-assisted housing run a criminal background check on me? 420
560· · · · If I am being incarcerated for a new offense, does my family have to report that I moved out? 420
561· · · Guest Policies in Government-Assisted Housing: 421
562· · · · I have a record and want to temporarily visit or stay overnight as a guest with my family in their government-assisted housing unit. Will my visit in any way risk my family’s government assistance? 421
563· · · · I have a record and want to temporarily visit or stay overnight as a guest with my family in their government-assisted housing unit. What are some suggested steps I can take to avoid putting my family or friend’s housing assistance at risk? 421
564· · · · If I am planning to stay as a guest with family or friends until I am added to their housing lease, what are some suggested steps I can take to make sure we are following all the guest policies? 423
565· · · · If a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing denies my request to be added to my family or friend’s lease, who can challenge the denial And how? 423
566· · · Live-in Aide Policies in Government-Assisted Housing 423
567· · · · What is a “live-in aide?” 423
568· · · · Can I be someone’s live-in aide in government-assisted housing if I have criminal record? 423
569· · · · Will the PHA or owner screen me for my criminal background if I am someone’s live-in aide? 423
570· · · · Will the PHA or owner screen me for my credit history if I am someone’s live-in aide? 424
571· · · · I was excluded from being someone’s live-in aide based on my criminal record. What can I do? 424
572· · · · What makes a request for a reasonable accommodation successful? 424
573· · · · I am a live-in aide in a government-assisted unit, but the person who I was caring for has left the unit. Do I have a right to stay? 424
574· VI. Challenging denials from housing 425
575· · Challenging Denials to Private Housing: 425
576· · · · What are my main options for challenging a denial to private housing? 425
577· · · · How do I figure out which option to choose if I want to challenge a denial from private housing? 425
578· · Challenging Denials to Government-Assisted Housing 426
579· · · · When would I challenge a denial from a Public Housing Authority (PHA) or owner of government-assisted housing? 426
580· · · · If I was denied government-assisted housing, how will I know the reason why? 426
581· · · · What is the timeline for challenging a denial to government-assisted housing? 427
582· · · · Will I definitely get into government-assisted housing if I am successful in challenging the initial denial? 427
583· · · · How can I figure out the specific procedures for challenging a denial to government-assisted housing? 427
584· · · Review Hearings: The Way to Challenge a Denial to Government-Assisted Housing 428
585· · · · What can I expect at the review hearing? And how can I prepare? 428
586· · · · What can I expect from the review hearing? What is it like? 429
587· · · · What rights do I have in a review hearing? 430
588· · · · What can I do if I am unhappy with the written decision by the review hearing? 431
589· VII. Maintaining MY HOUSING 432
590· · General Tips for Renters 432
591· · · · I am planning to rent an apartment (private or government-assisted). What are some general tips for renters? 432
592· · · · What are some of my general rights as a renter in California? 433
593· · Evictions 435
594· · · · What is an eviction? 435
595· · · · I am facing an eviction. What are my options? 435
596· · · · I received a 3-day notice to do something from my landlord. Can I be evicted because of this notice? 435
597· · · · What must a “3-day notice to pay rent or quit” say? 436
598· · · · What are my options if I get a “3-day notice to pay rent or quit”? 436
599· · · · What could happen if I do not pay my rent or do not move within the 3 days? 436
600· · · · What could happen if my landlord takes me to court to evict me? 437
601· · · · What could happen if I ignore the summons and complaint and do nothing? 438
602· · · · What could happen if I lose in court or after a judgment against me? 438
603· · · · How long does the eviction process take? 438
604· · · · I live in transitional housing, and the housing provider (or parole) IS trying to evict me with very little notice & without going to court. Is this legal & what are my options? 439
605· VIII. CONCLUSION 440
606· HOUSING APPENDIX 441
607· I. INTRODUCTION 484
608· · · · What are public benefits? 484
609· · · · What should I know about federal, state, and county benefits? 484
610· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get public benefits? 485
611· · · · Can I apply for public benefits while I’m incarcerated? 485
612· II. BASIC NEEDS CASH BENEFITS 486
613· · General Assistance/General Relief (GA/GR) 486
614· · · · Am I eligible for GA/GR? 486
615· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get GA/GR? 487
616· · · · What benefits and services can I get through GA/GR? 487
617· · · · How do I apply for GA/GR? 487
618· · · · Can I apply for GA/GR while incarcerated? 488
619· · · · Once I’m enrolled in GA/GR, what rules must I follow to stay eligible? 488
620· · · · I believe my application for General Assistance/General Relief benefits was wrongly denied or stopped. How can I appeal? 488
621· · CalWORKs 489
622· · · · Am I eligible for CalWORKs? 489
623· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get CalWORKs? 490
624· · · · What benefits and services can I get through CalWORKs? 491
625· · · · How do I apply for CalWORKs? 492
626· · · · Can I apply for CalWORKs while incarcerated? 492
627· · · · How do I receive my CalWORKs benefits? 492
628· · · · Once I’m enrolled in CalWORKs, what rules must I follow to stay eligible? 493
629· · · · I believe my CalWORKs was wrongly denied or stopped. How do I appeal? 493
630· III. FOOD BENEFITS 495
631· · CalFresh (Food Stamps) 495
632· · · · Am I eligible for CalFresh? 495
633· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get CalFresh? 496
634· · · · How do I apply for CalFresh? 497
635· · · · Can I apply for CalFresh while incarcerated? 497
636· · · · How do I receive my CalFresh benefits? 498
637· · · · Once I’m enrolled in CalFresh, what rules must I follow to stay eligible? 498
638· · · · I believe my CalFresh was wrongly denied or stopped. How do I appeal? 499
639· · Food Banks 500
640· · · · What is a food bank? 500
641· · · · Where can I find food? 500
642· · · · What is the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)? 500
643· · · · Where can I find a food bank to get EFAP benefits? 501
644· · · · What documents might I need to get EFAP benefits? 501
645· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get EFAP? 501
646· · · · Can I apply for EFAP benefits while incarcerated? 502
647· · Women, Infants & Children Program (WIC) 502
648· · · · Am I eligible for WIC? 502
649· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get WIC? 502
650· · · · How do I apply for WIC? 502
651· · · · Can I apply for WIC while incarcerated? 502
652· IV. HEALTH CARE BENEFITS 503
653· · · · Why should I get health care coverage (insurance)? 503
654· · Covered California 504
655· · · · What is Covered California? 504
656· · · · Am I eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California? 504
657· · · · What benefits and services can I get through Covered California? 504
658· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get health care using Covered California? 505
659· · · · Am I legally required to enroll in health care coverage? 505
660· · · · When can I apply for health care through Covered California? 506
661· · · · How do I enroll in health care through Covered California? 507
662· · · · Can I get health care through Covered California while I’m incarcerated? 509
663· · Medi-Cal 511
664· · · · Am I eligible for Medi-Cal? 511
665· · · · What benefits and services can I get through MediCal? 512
666· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get Medi-Cal benefits? 512
667· · · · How do I apply for Medi-Cal? 512
668· · · · Can I apply for Medi-Cal while incarcerated? 513
669· · · · I had Medi-Cal when I entered prison or jail. What happens to it while I’m incarcerated? 514
670· · · · My Medi-Cal stopped while I was incarcerated. How do I restart it? 515
671· · · · I believe my Medi-Cal was wrongly denied or stopped. How do I appeal? 515
672· · Medicare 516
673· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get Medicare? 516
674· · · · Am I eligible for Medicare? 516
675· · · · What benefits and services can I get through Medicare? 516
676· · · · How do I apply for Medicare? 518
677· · · · Can I apply for Medicare while incarcerated? 518
678· · · · I had Medicare when I entered prison or jail. What happens to it while I’m incarcerated? 518
679· · · · My Medicare stopped while I was incarcerated. How do I restart it? 519
680· · · · I believe my Medicare was wrongly denied or stopped. How do I appeal? 520
681· V. WORK Services BENEFITS 522
682· · CalFresh Employment & Training (E&T) Program 522
683· · · · Am I eligible for CalFresh E&T? 522
684· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get CalFresh E&T? 522
685· · · · What benefits and services can I get through CalFresh E&T? 522
686· · · · How do I enroll in CalFresh E&T? 523
687· · CalWORKs Welfare-To-Work 523
688· · · · Once i’m enrolled in Calworks Welfare-To-Work, what rules must i follow to stay eligible? 523
689· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to participate in CalWORKs Welfare-To-Work? 523
690· · · · What benefits and services can I get through CalWORKs Welfare-To-Work? 523
691· VI. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS 525
692· · Retirement Benefits 525
693· · · · Am I eligible for Social Security retirement benefits? 525
694· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get retirement benefits? 526
695· · · · How do I apply for retirement benefits? 527
696· · · · Can I apply for retirement benefits while incarcerated? 527
697· · · · I was receiving retirement benefits when I entered prison or jail. What happens to them while I’m incarcerated? 528
698· · · · My retirement benefits stopped while I was incarcerated. How do I restart them? 529
699· · Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 530
700· · · · Am I eligible for SSDI? 530
701· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get SSDI? 530
702· · · · How do I apply for SSDI? 532
703· · · · Can I apply for SSDI while incarcerated? 532
704· · · · I was receiving SSDI when I got arrested. What happens to it while I’m incarcerated? 533
705· · · · My SSDI stopped while I was incarcerated. How do I restart it? 534
706· · · · I believe my SSDI was wrongly denied or stopped. How do I appeal? 534
707· · Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 535
708· · · · Am I eligible for SSI? 535
709· · · · How SSI affects your ability to get other public benefits: 536
710· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get SSI? 537
711· · · · How do I apply for SSI? 537
712· · · · Can I apply for SSI while incarcerated? 538
713· · · · I was receiving SSI when I entered prison or jail. What happens to it while I’m incarcerated? 538
714· · · · My SSI benefits stopped while I was incarcerated. How do I restart them? 540
715· · · · I believe my SSI was wrongly denied or stopped. How do I appeal? 541
716· VII. VETERANS’ BENEFITS 542
717· · · · Am I eligible for veterans’ (VA) benefits? 542
718· · · · Can my criminal history limit my ability to get VA benefits? 543
719· · · · How do I apply for VA benefits? 544
720· · · · Can I apply for VA benefits while incarcerated? 544
721· · · · I was receiving VA benefits before I got arrested. What happens to them while I’m incarcerated? 546
722· · · · My VA benefits were reduced or stopped while I was incarcerated. How do I restore or restart my VA benefits? 547
723· · · · I’m disqualified from VA benefits because of my negative discharge status. How can I have my discharge status reviewed for an upgrade? 549
724· IX. LifeLine Cell Phone & Landline Benefits 551
725· · · · What is the LifeLine Phone program? 551
726· · · · What benefits will the California LifeLine program provide? 551
727· · · · Am I eligible for the California LifeLine program? 552
728· · · · How do I apply for the California LifeLine program? 552
729· · · · Can my criminal backround limit my ability to get a California Lifeline phone? 553
730· · · · Can I apply for a California LifeLine phone while incarcerated? 553
731· · · · How do I receive my phone and Lifeline benefits? 553
732· · · · Once enrolled, what rules must I follow to remain eligible? 553
733· · · · I believe my LifeLine phone was wrongly denied or wrongly stopped service. How do I appeal? 553
734· · · · What if I have additional questions or problems? 554
735· PUBLIC BENEFITS APPENDIX 555
736· I. INTRODUCTION: Looking for Work 600
737· · Preparing to enter the job market 600
738· · · · What can I expect as a job applicant with a criminal record? 600
739· · · · How will my criminal record affect my job prospects? 600
740· · · · What documents do I need before I apply for any job? 601
741· · · · How can I prepare for employers’ questions about my criminal record? 601
742· · How to present your best self 604
743· · · · How do I present my best self to an employer? 604
744· · · Beef up your resume 604
745· · · · How can I build up my resume? 604
746· · · Clean up your record 605
747· · · · Can I clean up my record? 605
748· · · Target your job search 605
749· · · · How do I target my job search and find the best fit? 605
750· · · · Are there certain types of jobs I can’t have because of my criminal record? 606
751· · · Ace the job application 608
752· · · · How can i have a successful job application? 608
753· · · Interview well 609
754· · · · How can I succeed in an interview? 609
755· · · · Bonding Insurance: What is it & how can it encourage employers to hire me? 610
756· · · · Work Opportunity Tax Credits: What are they & how can they encourage employers to hire me? 611
757· · Key terms in the employment chapter 612
758· II. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS on Employment BACKGROUND CHECKS 613
759· · Your rights against employers 613
760· · · · How can employers learn about my criminal record? 614
761· · · If the employer asks you directly about your criminal record 615
762· · · · What can’t employers ask about my criminal record? 615
763· · · · What can employers ask me about my criminal record? 616
764· · · · When can (and can’t) employers ask about my criminal record? 616
765· · · · When can a public (government) employer in California ask about my criminal record? 617
766· · · · When can a private employer in California ask about my criminal record? 617
767· · · If the employer uses a private background check company to run a background check on you 618
768· · · · Are employers legally allowed to run a background check on me? 618
769· · · · Can an employer consider my credit history? 618
770· · · · Are employers legally required to conduct criminal background checks? 619
771· · · · Since employers are allowed to run background checks on me, do I have any legal rights in the process? 619
772· · · · Can an employer decide not to hire me based on my record? 621
773· · · · What rules must an employer follow if they decide not to hire me based on my record? 621
774· · · · What can I do if there is inaccurate, incomplete, or illegal information in my background check report? 624
775· · · · If I am hired, can my employer run background checks on me in the future without my permission? 625
776· · · · What can I do if the employer has already received information from a background check report that it shouldn’t have received by law? 625
777· · If the employer conducts an “in-house” background check 627
778· · · · How does an in-house background check work? 627
779· · · · What rules govern California employers who run in-house checks? 628
780· · Errors in employers' in-house background checks: 630
781· · · · How can I find out if an employer relied on incorrect public records about me? 630
782· · · · If an employer relied on inaccurate public records, what can I do? 630
783· · · · Can an employer ask me for or consider my RAP sheet? 630
784· · · · Which employers can see my RAP sheet? 630
785· · · · Can I see my own RAP sheet? 631
786· · · · What can I do if the employer does not follow any of these rules on background checks? 632
787· III. YOUR RIGHTS AGAINST BACKGROUND CHECK COMPANIES 633
788· · Background check companies’ access to your criminal records 633
789· · · · How do background check companies get information on me for their background check reports? 633
790· · · · What can a background check company report about me to an employer? 634
791· · · · What can a background check company not report about me to an employer? 634
792· · · · What can I do if I think my background check report is incomplete or incorrect? 634
793· · · · When has a background check company violated the law? 635
794· · · · What can I do if a background check company has broken the law? 635
795· IV. HOW EMPLOYERS CAN (& CAN’T) USE YOUR CRIMINAL HISTORY 637
796· · Legal and Illegal Employment Discrimination 638
797· · · · Can employers legally discriminate against me (such as not hiring or firing me) just because of my criminal record? 638
798· · · · What laws protect applicants from discrimination based on their criminal record? 639
799· · · · Can an employer have a policy that excludes applicants who committed certain specific crimes? 641
800· · · · What can an employer consider about my criminal history? 641
801· · · · How can I improve my chances of getting hired if the employer sees my criminal record? 642
802· · · · What can I do if I believe that an employer has a complete ban on hiring people with records? 642
803· · Real-life situations—examples of discrimination involving criminal record plus race (or other protected characteristics) 643
804· · · · Can an employer discriminate against me because of my race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin? 643
805· · · · What can I do if I think an employer has treated my criminal history more harshly than other job applicants because of my race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin? 643
806· · · · What can I do if I feel I was illegally discriminated against? 644
807· · · · What kinds of remedies might I get if an employer illegally discriminated against me? 646
808· · · · What is the difference between an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint and a Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) complaint? 646
809· · · · How do I file a discrimination complaint with the EEOC? 647
810· · · · What happens after I file a complaint with the EEOC? 649
811· · · · How does the investigation process work? 649
812· · · · How do I file a complaint with the DFEH? 650
813· · · · What if I want to go straight to court and file a lawsuit on my own? 650
814· · · · Who can represent me if I believe I have been illegally discriminated against for a job because of my record? 650
815· V. Jobs & Professions Your Record Might Exclude You From 652
816· · Legal restrictions on certain jobs 652
817· · · · Are there certain types of jobs I can’t have because of my criminal record? 652
818· · · · Can I ever be eligible again to get these jobs? 653
819· · Legal restrictions on professional licenses 654
820· · · · What are professional and occupational licenses and what do they require? 654
821· · · · What kinds of jobs require a professional or occupational license? 654
822· · · · Can I get a professional or occupational license with a record? 655
823· · · · What criminal history information can a licensing board consider about me? 655
824· · · · Can a licensing board deny me a license based on my record? 655
825· · · · Can I apply for a license while I’m still incarcerated? 657
826· · · · Can I apply for a probationary license before I get a full license? 657
827· · · · What can I do if the board denies my application for a license? 657
828· · · · What can I do if I used to have a license, but lost it due to a criminal conviction? 658
829· · · · Who can help me if my license has been denied or taken away due to a criminal conviction? 658
830· · · · Where can I go to learn more about professional licenses? 659
831· VI. ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT 660
832· · Consider self-employment or start your own business 660
833· · Become an independent contractor 661
834· · Join a worker-run cooperative business 662
835· · Apply to work through a temp agency 662
836· · Take short-term jobs or temporary positions to get your foot in the door 663
837· VII. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY 664
838· · Disability & reasonable accommodations in employment 664
839· · · · What is a disability under law? 666
840· · · · If I have a disability, how might this affect my job search? 666
841· · · · What do I need to know about the relationship between my disabilities and my criminal record? 667
842· · · · What kinds of accommodations can I request? 667
843· · · · What will I need to show to get a reasonable accommodation? 668
844· · · · What can I do if the employer refuses to make a reasonable accommodation for me? How can I challenge the decision? 669
845· · · · If I try to sue the employer in court, what must I prove? 669
846· · · · Where can I go to learn more about how my disability affects my employment rights? 670
847· EMPLOYMENT APPENDIX 671
848· I. INTRODUCTION 720
849· · · · What is court-ordered debt and why do I need to know about it? 720
850· · · · I’ve never received anything telling me that I owe money; so I must not have any court-ordered debt, right? 720
851· · · · What are the different types of court ordered debt? 721
852· II. A Basic Overview of Court-Ordered DebT RESTITUTION 723
853· · Restitution 723
854· · · · What is restitution? 723
855· · · · Is it possible to owe more than one type of restitution? 724
856· · · · Who is considered a “victim” to recover victim restitution? 724
857· · Court fines and penalties 725
858· · · · What are court fines and penalties? 725
859· · · · What should I know about court fines and penalties? 725
860· · Court administrative fees 725
861· · · · What are court administrative fees? 725
862· · · · What should I know about court administrative fees? 725
863· · · · What happens to my court-ordered debt while I’m incarcerated? 726
864· · · · Will my debts be sent to “collections”? 726
865· · · · How can my court-ordered debt affect me while I am on a term of supervision? 727
866· · · · Which types of court-ordered debt are likely to be conditions of my probation? 729
867· · · · What happens if I don't pay off these debts? 729
868· · · · What are my options if my wages are garnished or there is a lien on my property? 731
869· · Traffic fines and tickets 732
870· · · · What are traffic fines and tickets? 732
871· · · · How do I know which type of ticket I have? 733
872· · · · What could happen if I get a new ticket? 733
873· · · · What could happen if I don’t pay my traffic fines or if I don’t appear for my court date? 735
874· · · · I think I had an old traffic ticket, but I can’t remember or can’t find it. What are my options? 736
875· · · · What are my options if the DMV told me I have an outstanding traffic ticket? 737
876· · · · I had a traffic ticket that was pending (unresolved) when I was incarcerated. What might have happened to it? 737
877· · · · I think my traffic ticket qualifies for dismissal. How can I get it dismissed? 738
878· III. TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR COURT-ORDERED DEBT 740
879· · · · How do I find out how much court-ordered debt I owe? 740
880· · Restitution 740
881· · · · I haven’t ever received notice that I owe any money for restitution, so I probably don’t, right? 741
882· · Court fines and penalties and court administrative fees 741
883· · · · How do I find out if I have any court fines and fees? 741
884· · Traffic fines & fees 742
885· · · · How do I find out how much I owe in traffic fines? 742
886· IV. paying off or “satisfying” my court-ordered debt 744
887· · Restitution 744
888· · · · How do I pay restitution while incarcerated? 744
889· · · · How do I pay restitution while on a state parole? 744
890· · · · How do I pay restitution while on probation, PRCS, or mandatory supervision in California? 745
891· · · · What will happen if I can’t pay the restitution? 745
892· · Court fines, penalties & administrative fees 746
893· · · · How do I pay off the court fines, penalties, and administrative fees? 746
894· · · · What might happen if I can’t pay my debt? 747
895· · Traffic fines and fees 748
896· · · · How do I pay my traffic fines? 748
897· · · · What options do I have if I cannot pay my traffic fines? 749
898· · · NEW! Traffic Amnesty Program 750
899· · · · What is California’s new Traffic Amnesty Program? 750
900· · · · Where do I file for relief under the Traffic Amnesty Program? 750
901· · · · How long will the Traffic Amnesty Program last? 750
902· · · · What types of tickets qualify for the Traffic Amnesty Program? 750
903· · · · What could make me NOT qualify for the Traffic Amnesty Program? 750
904· · · · What kind of help can I get through the Traffic Amnesty Program? 751
905· · · · Do I have to pay a court fee to participate in the Traffic Amnesty Program? 751
906· · · · How do I enroll in the Traffic Amnesty Program? 752
907· · · · What options do I have to reduce or forgive my court-ordered debt? 752
908· V. CONCLUSION 754
909· Court-Ordered Debt Appendix 755
910· I. Introduction 792
911· · Key Terms in the Family & Children Chapter 792
912· · The Impact of a Criminal Record on a Legal Case About Your Child or Grandchild 796
913· · · · What is a criminal record? 796
914· · · · How will my criminal record impact my ability to reconnect with my child or grandchild? 796
915· · · · Are there any convictions that will automatically ban me from reconnecting with my child or grandchild? 797
916· II. The Rights of Parents & Grandparents 798
917· · Any Automatic Rights? 798
918· · · · Do I automatically have a right to care for my child or grandchild? 798
919· III. Basic Steps to Reconnect with Your Child or Grandchild 800
920· · · · I am in reentry, and I want to reconnect with my child or grandchild. Where can I start? 801
921· IV. Defining Custody & Visitation 805
922· · · · What do custody and visitation have to do with my reentry? 805
923· · Custody 805
924· · · · What does custody mean? 805
925· · · · What do legal and physical custody arrangements look like in real life? 806
926· · Visitation 807
927· · · · What does visitation mean? 807
928· · · · What do visitation arrangements look like in the real world? 807
929· V. Judges, Courts & the “Best Interest of the Child” Legal Standard 808
930· · · · Why would the courts be involved in my family matters? 808
931· · · · What factors does a judge look at when making a decision about custody and visitation with my child/grandchild? 809
932· · · · I have a history of substance abuse. How will this impact my ability to reconnect with my child or grandchild? 809
933· · · · Would it help my family law case to clean up my record? 810
934· VI. Protective Court Orders & “NO-CONTACT” CONDITIONS 811
935· · · · I believe there is a protective order OR “No-Contact” CONDITION against me. What can I do? 811
936· · · · What could happen if I violate a court’s protective order or a “no-contact” condition of my supervision? 811
937· · · · How do I challenge a protective ORDER or “no-contact” condition of my parole or probation? 812
938· · Additional Restrictions from Parole or Probation & Your General Rights 813
939· · · · I am on parole or probation. How could this impact my ability to reconnect with my child or grandchild? 813
940· VII. The Three Courts that Handle Family MATTERS & Navigating Them 815
941· · Introduction to the Three Courts that Handle Family & Children Matters 815
942· · · · What are the different courts in California that make decisions about family and children? 815
943· · · · Where can I find the court forms I need to start a case in one of the 3 family-related courts? 817
944· · · · I am currently incarcerated. Can I go to a court hearing for a case involving my child? 818
945· · · · I am currently incarcerated. Can I get visitation ordered with my child? 819
946· VIII. Family Court 821
947· · · · What is family court? 821
948· · · · Why would I go to family court to reconnect with my child or grandchild? 821
949· · · · How can a judge’s decision in family court affect my rights as a parent? 821
950· · · · How can a judge’s decision in family court affect my rights as a grandparent? 822
951· · · · How will a family court judge decide if I get custody or visitation with my child or grandchild? 822
952· · · · Are there any convictions that will automatically ban me from reconnecting with my child or grandchild in family court? 823
953· · · · What can I show the family court judge that custody or visitation with me is in the “best interest of the child”? 824
954· · · · What can I do to show mitigating circumstances related to my criminal record? 825
955· · · · What are alternatives to reconnecting with my child/grandchild without going to family court? 825
956· IX. Probate Court Guardianships 827
957· · · · What is probate court? 827
958· · · · Why would I have to go to probate court to reconnect with my child or grandchild? 828
959· · · · CHART: How is guardianship different than adoption or foster care? 828
960· · Scenario 1: Reconnecting with your Children in Probate Court 828
961· · · · Why would I go to probate court to end a guardianship? 828
962· · · · How can a judge’s decision in probate court affect my rights as a parent? 829
963· · · · How will a judge in probate court decide if I get custody or visitation with my child? 830
964· · · · Are there convictions that will automatically ban me from reconnecting with my child in probate court? 830
965· · · · What can I do to show the probate court judge that custody or visitation with me is in the “best interest of the child”? 830
966· · · · What can I do to show mitigating circumstances and rehabilitative evidence related to my criminal record? 830
967· · Scenario 2: Becoming the Probate Guardian of Someone Else’s Child When You Have a Record 830
968· · · · What is a legal guardian? 830
969· · · · Who can be a legal guardian? 831
970· · · · How can my criminal record affect my chances of being appointed as a guardian in probate court for someone else’s child? 832
971· · · · What can I do to show the probate court judge that custody or visitation with me is in the “best interest of the child”? 832
972· · · · What are some alternatives to becoming a guardian through the probate court? 833
973· · · · How could the probate court help me financially take care of someone else’s child? 834
974· X. Juvenile dependency court 835
975· · · · What is juvenile dependency court? 835
976· · · · Why would i go to juvenile dependency court? 836
977· · Scenario 1: RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CHILD(REN) in Dependency Court 836
978· · · · Why would i go to juvenile dependency court to reconnect with my child? 836
979· · · · How can a judge’s decision in juvenile dependency court affect my rights as a parent? 836
980· · · · How will a dependency court judge decide if I get custody or visitation with my child? 838
981· · · · Are there any convictions that will automatically ban me from reconnecting with my child in dependency court? 838
982· · · · My child was placed in foster care while i was incarcerated. what can i do to reconnect? 838
983· · · · What can I show the dependency court judge that custody or visitation with me is in the “best interest of the child”? 839
984· · · · What can I do to show mitigating circumstances and rehabilitative evidence related to my criminal record? 841
985· · · Requesting a Change to a Dependency Court Order 841
986· · · · If there is already an order about my child from a judge in juvenile dependency court, how do I ask for greater custody or visitation rights? 841
987· · Scenario 2: Becoming a Foster Care Parent or Guardian of Someone Else’s Child through Juvenile Dependency Court 842
988· · · Becoming a Foster Care Parent with a Record through Juvenile Dependency Court 842
989· · · · What is foster care? 842
990· · · · Who can be a child’s foster parent? 842
991· · · · How could my criminal record affect my ability to become a foster parent? 842
992· · · · What is the background check process for potential foster parents? 843
993· · · · What convictions will bar me from becoming a foster parent? 843
994· · · · What convictions might prevent me from becoming a foster parent? 844
995· · · Becoming a Guardian with a Record through Dependency Court 844
996· · · · What is a juvenile court guardianship? 844
997· · · · Who can be a child’s legal guardian in dependency court? 845
998· · · · How could my criminal record affect my ability to be appointed as the child’s guardian in dependency court? 845
999· XI. Juvenile Deliquency Court: Just the Basics 847
1000· · · · What is juvenile delinquency court? 847
1001· · · · How could a case in juvenile delinquency court affect my ability to reconnect with my child in my reentry? 848
1002· · · · What could happen to my parental rights if my child has a case in juvenile delinquency court? 848
1003· · · · Could my criminal record affect my child’s case in juvenile delinquency court? 848
1004· XII. Becoming an Adoptive Parent with a Record 849
1005· · · · What is adoption? 849
1006· · · · What is the background check process for potential adoptive parents? 849
1007· · · · Can I adopt a child if I have a criminal record? 849
1008· · · · My child was adopted out while I was incarcerated. What can i do to reconnect? 850
1009· XIII. Family Issues Inside Prison or Jail 851
1010· · Pregnancy & Mothering While Incarcerated 851
1011· · · · I gave birth while incarcerated. How do I connect with my child after I am released? 851
1012· · · · What can I do to show that I am able to parent my child after my release? 851
1013· · Paternity/ Parentage issues 852
1014· · · · What is paternity/parentage? 852
1015· · · · Why does legal paternity/parentage matter? 852
1016· · · · What does paternity have to do with my reentry? 852
1017· · · · Can my criminal record affect paternity issues and reconnecting with my child? 853
1018· · · · How do I establish parentage? 853
1019· · · · Can i establish my parentage in court while i am incarcerated? 853
1020· XIV. Ending a Marriage or Domestic Partnership (Divorce & Legal Separation) 855
1021· · · · Can I end a marriage or domestic partnership while I am incarcerated? 857
1022· · · · Can I file for divorce while I am incarcerated? 857
1023· · · · I was incarcerated and have an order not to contact my spouse. How do I get a divorce? 857
1024· · · · I was incarcerated, and now I cannot find my spouse. How do I get a divorce? 858
1025· · · · my spouse wants a divorce and i am incarcerated. how will i be notified? what should i do? 858
1026· XV. Managing & Navigating Spousal & Child Support 859
1027· · · · What is a family-related court-ordered debt? 859
1028· · · · How will owing family-related court-ordered debts affect my reentry? 859
1029· · Child Support Debt 860
1030· · · Basics of Child Support 860
1031· · · · What is child support? 860
1032· · · · Who has to pay child support? 860
1033· · · · Who receives my child support payments? 860
1034· · · · How will owing child support affect my reentry? 861
1035· · · · How do I find out whether I owe child support and how much I owe? 861
1036· · · Managing Your Child Support Payments 862
1037· · · · I am currently incarcerated. Do my child support payments automatically stop when I am in prison or jail? 862
1038· · · · Will my child support payments automatically begin when I am released from prison or jail? 863
1039· · · · How do I make child support payments? 863
1040· · · · What can i do if my money is being taken out of my salary for overdue child support payments? 864
1041· · · · Can I change or adjust the amount of child support I owe? …While I am incarcerated? …After my release? 864
1042· · · · I am formerly incarcerated and owe money for past, overdue child support payments (“arrears”). How can I change these arrears? 867
1043· · · · Can I get rid of my past, overdue child support debt? 868
1044· · · · I receive public benefits. Can a portion of my public benefits be taken to pay for child support? 869
1045· · · Consequences for Failing to Pay Child Support 869
1046· · · · Can I be in violation of my supervision or parole if I fail to pay child support? 869
1047· · · · Can I go to jail for not paying child support? 869
1048· · Spousal Support Debt 871
1049· · · Basics of Spousal Support Debt 871
1050· · · · What is spousal support? 871
1051· · · · who has to pay spousal support? 871
1052· · · · How will owing spousal support affect my reentry? 871
1053· · · · How do I find out if I owe spousal support and how much I owe? 871
1054· · · Managing Spousal Support Payments 872
1055· · · · I received legal papers about spousal support. What can I do? 872
1056· · · · I am currently incarcerated. Do my spousal support payments automatically stop while I am in prison or jail? 872
1057· · · · Do my spousal support payments automatically begin when I am released from prison? 872
1058· · · · How are spousal support payments made? 872
1059· · · · How do payments made by earnings assignment work? 873
1060· · · · Can I change the amount of spousal support I owe? …While i am incarcerated? …After my release? 873
1061· · · · I am formerly incarcerated and owe money for past, overdue spousal support payments (“arrears”). How can I change these arrears? 873
1062· · · · Can I get rid of my past, over due spousal support payments? 873
1063· · · · I receive public benefits. Can a portion of my public benefits be taken to pay for spousal support? 874
1064· · · Consequences for Failing to Pay Spousal Support 874
1065· · · · Can I be in violation of my supervision or parole if I fail to pay spousal support? 874
1066· · · · Can I go to jail for not paying spousal support? 874
1067· · · Requesting spousal support payments 874
1068· · · · Can I ask for spousal support while I am incarcerated? 875
1069· XVI. Domestic Violence & Restraining orders 876
1070· · Overview of Domestic Violence restraining orders & Violations 876
1071· · · · What is domestic violence? 876
1072· · · · What is a domestic violence restraining order? 877
1073· · · · CHART: Different types of domestic violence restraining orders 877
1074· · · · What can a restraining order do? 878
1075· · · · What can’t a domestic violence restraining order do? 878
1076· · · · I have a restraining order against me. what must i do? 878
1077· · · · What could happen if I violate a restraining order against me? 878
1078· · · · What could happen if my partner—who got the restraining order against me—contacts or visits me? 879
1079· XVII. Conclusion 879
1080· FAMILY & CHILDREN APPENDIX 880
1081· I. INTRODUCTION 927
1082· · Questions to start with 928
1083· · · · What are my educational options? 928
1084· · · · What educational options do I have while I’m on probation or parole? 929
1085· · · · What educational options do I have while I’m incarcerated? 931
1086· · Practical tips 932
1087· · · · What important documents will I need to continue my education? 932
1088· · · · What are “immunization/vaccination records” and why do I need them? 933
1089· · · · How to locate your immunization/vaccination records 933
1090· · · · What should I do if I can't find my immunization/vaccination records? 934
1091· II. SETTING YOUR EDUCATIONAL GOALS 935
1092· · Some questions for you to think about on your personal educational journey 935
1093· · · · What are your short-term and long-term educational goals? 935
1094· · · · What practical considerations do you need to take into account? 935
1095· · · · What type of job do you want? 936
1096· · · · What skills, training, and job experience do you already have? 936
1097· · · · What are your interests? 936
1098· · · · What natural talents do you have? What are you good at? 936
1099· · · · Does the job or career you are interested in have restrictions against people with criminal records? 937
1100· · · · What are the jobs that have legal restrictions for people with criminal records? 937
1101· · · · What is a professional/occupational license and what does it require? 937
1102· · · · What kinds of jobs require a professional/occupational license? 938
1103· · · · What type of skills or education could help you get the job you want? 938
1104· · How your criminal record and incarceration may affect your educational goals 940
1105· · · · If I am still incarcerated. what barriers might I face in pursuing my education? 940
1106· · · · If I am under federal, state, or county supervision, what barriers might I face? 941
1107· · · · If I have completed my sentence, and I’m off supervision, what barriers might I still face? 943
1108· · How to choose the educational path that meets your specific educational goals 943
1109· · · · Once everything is considered, how do I start finding the educational program that is right for me? 943
1110· · · · Can I be denied acceptance to an educational program or institution because of my criminal history? 945
1111· · · · Do I need to disclose my juvenile record when applying to different educational programs? 946
1112· III. figuring out YOUR CURRENT EDUCATIONal LEVEL 947
1113· · · · What is an “educational assessment”? Why do I need one? 947
1114· · · · How do I get an educational assessment? 947
1115· · · · Where do I go for a placement test? 947
1116· · Learning challenges and special needs 949
1117· · · · What does it mean to have a learning challenge or special need? 949
1118· · · · How do I find out if I have a learning challenge? 949
1119· IV. LEARNING THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE 951
1120· · Adult Basic Education (ABE) 951
1121· · · · What is ABE? How can it help me? 951
1122· · · · How much do ABE classes cost? 951
1123· · · · How do I get into ABE classes? 952
1124· · High School Credentials 953
1125· · · · I’m ready for high school-level work. What are my options? 953
1126· · · General Educational Development (GED) Tests 953
1127· · · · What are GED tests? How can they help me? 953
1128· · · · Am I eligible to take a GED test to earn my California High School Equivalency Certificate (CAHSEC)? 954
1129· · · · How long will it take to earn my CAHSEC? 954
1130· · · · How much will it cost to earn my CAHSEC? 954
1131· · · · How do I prepare for the GED test? 955
1132· · · · I’m ready to take a GED test, how do I sign up? 957
1133· · · Adult High School Diploma Programs 958
1134· · · · What is an adult high school diploma program? How can it help me? 958
1135· · · · How much time will it take to earn my high school diploma? 958
1136· · · · How much money will it cost to earn my high school diploma through a program? 959
1137· · · · How do I find and enroll in a high school diploma program? 960
1138· · Higher education overview 961
1139· · · · What is higher education? 961
1140· · Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs 961
1141· · · · What is Career and Technical Education? 961
1142· · · · How can a CTE program help me? 961
1143· · · · How much money will it cost to earn a CTE certificate? 962
1144· · · · How do I find CTE programs? 963
1145· · · · How do I choose a CTE program? 964
1146· · · · How do I enroll in a CTE program? 964
1147· · College & university academic degrees 965
1148· · · · Is going to college the right choice for me? 966
1149· · · · What are the different kinds of academic degrees? 966
1150· · · Associate Degree Programs 966
1151· · · · What is an associate degree? 966
1152· · · · What are some of the advantages of pursuing an Associate Degree? 966
1153· · · · What types of Associate Degrees are there? 967
1154· · · · How can I decide if an Associate Degree is right for me, and which type I should get? 967
1155· · · · How much will it cost to earn an Associate Degree? 967
1156· · · · How do I find an Associate Degree program? 968
1157· · · Bachelor’s Degree Programs 969
1158· · · · What is a bachelor’s degree? How can it help me? 969
1159· · · · What types of Bachelor’s degrees are there? 969
1160· · · · How much will it cost to earn a Bachelor’s degree? 969
1161· · · · How do I find a Bachelor’s degree program? 970
1162· · Applying to college 971
1163· · · · What will I need to apply for college? 971
1164· · · · How much does it cost to take these tests? 972
1165· · · · How do I sign up for these tests? 972
1166· · · · How do I prepare for the SAT or the ACT? 973
1167· · Earning & transferring college credits—good options if you are incarcerated 974
1168· · · · How can I find out if my credits will transfer? 974
1169· · · · How do I transfer my credits? 974
1170· · · Distance education 974
1171· · · · What is Distance Education? 974
1172· · · · How do the two types of distance education work? 975
1173· · · · Are there benefits to distance education? 975
1174· · · · What credentials can I earn through distance education? 975
1175· · · · How do I find and enroll in a distance education program? 976
1176· · · · How much do distance education programs cost? 976
1177· · · Correspondence courses 977
1178· · · · What credentials can I earn through correspondence courses? 977
1179· · · · Are correspondence courses right for me? 978
1180· · · · How do I find and enroll in a correspondence program? 978
1181· · Graduate academic and professional degree programs 979
1182· · · · Where can I find information about graduate programs? 979
1183· V. Paying for your education 980
1184· · · · How will I pay for my education? 980
1185· · · · What is financial aid? 980
1186· · · · What kinds of financial aid are there? 980
1187· · · · Where does financial aid come from? 980
1188· · Federal Student Aid 980
1189· · · · What kinds of federal student aid might be available to me? 980
1190· · · · Will my criminal history affect my ability to get federal student aid? 981
1191· · · · Can I get federal student aid while I’m incarcerated? 982
1192· · · · Am I eligible for federal grants while I’m incarcerated? 982
1193· · · · Am I eligible for federal student loans while I am incarcerated? 983
1194· · · · Am I eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS) while I am incarcerated? 984
1195· · · · Can I get federal student aid while I am on parole or probation? 984
1196· · · · How do I apply for federal student aid? 984
1197· · · · What information will I need to fill out the FAFSA? 985
1198· · · · When should I apply for federal financial aid? 985
1199· · · · I already have student loans, can my student loans be deferred while I am incarcerated? 985
1200· · California State Student Aid 986
1201· · · · What kinds of state-based student aid might be available to me? 986
1202· · · Cal Grants 986
1203· · · · Am I eligible for a Cal Grant? 986
1204· · · Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver (BOGFW): Free Enrollment for low-income students to california community colleges 987
1205· · · · How do I know if I qualify for BOGFW? 987
1206· · · · Will my criminal history disqualify me from state-based student aid? 987
1207· · · · How do I apply for state-based student aid? 987
1208· · School-Based Financial Aid 987
1209· · · · What kinds of school-based aid might be available to me? 987
1210· · · · Will my criminal history disqualify me from school-based aid? 987
1211· · Scholarships 988
1212· · · · What kinds of scholarships might be available to me? 988
1213· · · · How do I find and apply for scholarships? 988
1214· · · · Will my criminal history disqualify me from scholarships? 988
1215· VI. Conclusion 988
1216· EDUCATION APPENDIX 989
1217· I. INTRODUCTION: 1034
1218· II. Key Concepts for Understanding your Criminal Record & Fixing Errors—Early in Reentry 1035
1219· · · · What is a criminal record? 1035
1220· · · · Why is it important to understand my criminal record? 1035
1221· · Types of Criminal Records 1036
1222· · · RAP Sheets 1036
1223· · · · What is a RAP sheet and why is it important? 1036
1224· · · · How many RAP sheets do I have? 1036
1225· · · · Why is it helpful for me to see my RAP sheet? 1037
1226· · · Fixing Errors in RAP Sheets 1038
1227· · · · What are common errors in RAP Sheets? 1038
1228· · · · When can I fix the errors? 1038
1229· · · · How can I fix errors in my California State (DOJ) RAP sheet? 1038
1230· · · · How can I fix errors in my federal (FBI) RAP sheet? 1039
1231· · · Background Checks 1040
1232· · · · What is a background check? 1040
1233· · · · What information cannot show up in a private background check? 1041
1234· · · · What information can show up in a background check? 1042
1235· · · · Why is it helpful for me to see what’s in my background check? 1043
1236· · · · What’s the difference between a RAP sheet and a background check? 1043
1237· · · Fixing Errors in Background Checks 1043
1238· · · · How can I fix errors in my background check? 1043
1239· · · · What are common errors in a background check? 1044
1240· · · · What are some suggested steps I can take to fix errors in my background check? 1044
1241· · · · How do I know which background check company did my background check? 1044
1242· · · Credit Reports 1045
1243· · · · What is a credit report? And what’s the difference between a RAP sheet and a credit report? 1045
1244· · · · Will my credit report be included in my background check? 1045
1245· III. Who Has Access to your criminal record & What They Can See 1046
1246· · · · Who is legally allowed to see my RAP sheet? 1046
1247· · · · Who is legally allowed to run a background check on me? 1046
1248· · · · Is there any other way that someone can see my criminal history? 1047
1249· IV. GETTING COPIES OF YOUR CRIMINAL RECORDS 1048
1250· · · · How do I get my California State (DOJ) RAP sheet? 1048
1251· · · · How do I get my federal (FBI) RAP sheet? 1048
1252· · · · How do I get my local (county) RAP sheet and criminal history information? 1049
1253· · · · How do I get a copy of my background check? 1049
1254· V. CLEANING UP YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD—Later in Reentry 1051
1255· · · · Why could it be helpful to “clean up” my criminal record? 1051
1256· · · · If I am required to register with local law enforcement because of a sex, arson, or drug conviction, how will cleaning up my record affect my registration requirement? 1051
1257· · · · What information will I need to clean up my record? 1054
1258· · · · Why do I need this information for expungement? 1054
1259· · · · Where do I get this information for expungement? 1054
1260· · California “Expungement” of State Convictions 1055
1261· · · · What is “expungement”(a dismissal) in California? 1055
1262· · · · What does expungement do? 1056
1263· · · · What does expungement not do? 1057
1264· · · · Who can see my record—even if it is expunged? 1058
1265· · · · Can a private employer find out about my expunged conviction? 1058
1266· · · · What types of convictions can be expunged? 1058
1267· · · · What types of convictions can’t be expunged? 1059
1268· · · · Because I have a felony conviction, but never went to prison for it, can I get it expunged? 1059
1269· · · · Because I have a felony conviction that was sentenced to county jail under Realignment instead of state prison, can i get it expunged? 1060
1270· · · · What are the different types of expungement and what do they require? 1061
1271· · · · CHART: Which type of expungement am I eligible for? 1064
1272· · · Getting Your Conviction “Expunged” 1065
1273· · · · I believe I am eligible for a mandatory or discretionary expungement. How do I get one? 1065
1274· · · · If my conviction is eligible to be expunged automatically, how does this happen? 1065
1275· · · · Because I am still on probation and need to be off to have my conviction expunged, is there anything I can do to get off early? 1066
1276· · · · What is the process for requesting an early release from probation so that i can pursue expungement? 1066
1277· · · · Because I am still on Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS), and need to be off to have my conviction expunged, is there anything I can do to get off early? 1067
1278· · Reducing Felonies to Misdemeanors 1068
1279· · · · Which felony convictions can be reduced to misdemeanors? 1068
1280· · · · What is a “wobbler” and why is it important for expungement? 1069
1281· · · · I want to get my felony “wobbler” expunged. What are the steps to getting it reduced to a misdeameanor so that it is then eligible for expungement? 1070
1282· · · · Are there penalties that will still affect me even if my felony is reduced to a misdemeanor? 1071
1283· · · · What is the process for getting a felony “wobbler” conviction reduced to a misdemeanor, and then expunged? 1071
1284· · · · My conviction was for a felony and I was sentenced to state prison. What, if anthing, could I do to get it expunged? 1071
1285· · Proposition 47: Reclassification and Resentencing Under the New Law 1072
1286· · · · What is Proposition 47 and how could it help me? 1072
1287· · · · What convictions does Prop 47 help to reduce? 1072
1288· · · · Who CANNOT get Prop 47 remedies? 1073
1289· · · · What CAN get Prop 47 remedies? 1073
1290· · · · What does Prop 47 NOT do? 1074
1291· · · · How does Prop 47 change a conviction on my criminal record? 1074
1292· · · · How do I get my conviction reduced under Prop 47? 1075
1293· · · · If I get my felony reduced under Prop 47, how do I then get it expunged? 1076
1294· · Certificates of Rehabilitation 1078
1295· · · · What is a Certificate of Rehabilitation and how could it help me? 1078
1296· · · · Who CAN get a Certificate of Rehabilitation? 1078
1297· · · · Who CANNOT get a Certificate of Rehabilitation? 1079
1298· · · · What CAN’T a Certificate of Rehabilitation do for me? 1080
1299· · · · When can I get a Certificate of Rehabilitation? 1080
1300· · · · I’ve had a new conviction since my original offense? Can I still apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation for the original offense? 1080
1301· · · · How do I get a Certificate of Rehabilitation? 1081
1302· · Governor’s Pardon 1082
1303· · · · What is a Governor’s pardon? 1082
1304· · · · Who can get a Governor’s pardon? 1082
1305· · · · Who CANNOT get a governor’s pardon? 1083
1306· · · · How could a Governor’s pardon help me? 1083
1307· · · · How CAN’T a Governor’s pardon help me? 1083
1308· · · · If I am eligible, how could I get a pardon? 1084
1309· · · · If I am eligible, when could I apply for a pardon? 1084
1310· · · · What is the process for getting a pardon? 1085
1311· · · · How do I apply for a Traditional Pardon directly from the Governor (without a Certificate of Rehabilitation)? 1085
1312· · · · Once I have applied for a pardon, what happens? 1086
1313· · · · What happens if my pardon is granted? 1087
1314· · · · What can I do if my pardon is denied? 1087
1315· · Sealing California State Adult Arrest Records 1088
1316· · · · What does it mean to have an arrest record “sealed” in California? 1088
1317· · · · What arrest records can be sealed by the court? 1088
1318· · · · Are there other legal requirements for getting an arrest record sealed? 1088
1319· · · · When could I get my arrest record sealed? 1089
1320· · · · What is the process for getting my arrest record sealed? 1089
1321· · Sealing California State Juvenile Records 1090
1322· · · · What could show up in my juvenile record? 1090
1323· · · · Who can see my juvenile record? 1090
1324· · · · Who can get their juvenile records sealed? 1090
1325· · · · Who cannot get their juvenile record sealed? 1091
1326· · · · What is the process for getting my juvenile record sealed? 1091
1327· · Federal Expungements & Dismissals 1092
1328· · · · What types of federal expungement are available, and how could they help me? 1092
1329· · · · Who can get a federal expungement or dismissal? 1092
1330· · · · I meet all of the requirements for federal expungement. What are my next steps for pursuing the expungement? 1093
1331· · U.S. Presidential Pardons 1094
1332· · · · Who can get a presidential pardon of a federal conviction? 1094
1333· · · · How do I go about applying for a presidential pardon? 1095
1334· VI. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS—SEX, ARSON, DRUGS 1096
1335· · · · How will cleaning up my record affect my registration requirement? 1096
1336· · Sex Registration 1096
1337· · · · Will the remedy remove my registration requirement? 1096
1338· · Arson Registration 1097
1339· · · · Will the remedy remove my registration requirement? 1097
1340· · Drug Registration 1097
1341· · · · Will the remedy remove my registration requirement? 1097
1342· VII. DNA EXPUNGEMENT 1098
1343· · · · What is a DNA expungement? 1098
1344· · California DNA Expungement 1098
1345· · · · Who can get their DNA expunged from the California database? 1098
1346· · · · How can I get my DNA expunged from the California database? 1099
1347· · FBI (National) DNA Expungement 1099
1348· · · · Who can get their DNA expunged from the national database? 1099
1349· VIII. Conclusion 1099
1350· EXPUNGEMENT APPENDIX 1100