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   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