What Can I Do About A Shoplifting Conviction

[kevrone]

My girlfriend was convicted of shoplifting in New York City four years ago. Today, she was fired from her new job after a background check revealed the information. Reading around, it seems like she won't be able to have the record expunged (and even if she can, it may stay in databases), but what are her chances of a pardon?

It seems to me that with the current situation, it is impossible for her to ever pay her debt to society. What options, if any, does she have to keep this from coming up the rest of her life?

Any help is appreciated

[Mr. Knowitall]

Anybody's chances of a pardon are low. You haven't stated any reason why your girlfriend would be a good candidate for a pardon.

[kevrone]

I don't really know what the criteria is for a pardon, that's why I asked. But I did speak to a lawyer yesterday who said one possibility is a Certificate of Relief of Civil Disabilities. His fee was way too high for us, but would it be possible to obtain one from a court without a lawyer? Or at all?

[aaron]

Information and forms are available here.