Unlock Legal Salutes Arrival of AB-2138, as Professional License Law Reform Helps California Residents with Criminal Records Obtain Occupational Licenses
Orange County, CA law firm helps professional licensee holders with criminal records return to work and expects an increase in workers as a result of the bill's passage on July 1
TUSTIN, Calif., July 21, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Unlock Legal, a professional law corporation, announced a victory for professional license holders with criminal records, as California passed Assembly Bill 2138 on July 1.
"Eight million residents in California have criminal records and struggle to find quality jobs and earn an honest living. AB-2138 is giving professionals with records the opportunity to finally start over," says Miranda McCroskey, founder of Unlock Legal, a professional license defense firm. "The new reform prevents past mistakes from defining the future for California residents and allows them to obtain their professional licenses more easily," McCroskey added.
As of July 1, AB-2138 has changed how the California Department of Consumer Affairs licensing boards handle professional and occupational licenses for individuals with criminal records.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs monitors over 40 professional and occupational licensing boards, including over 1,700 occupations. AB-2138 aims to support individuals housed in these occupations and subject to the judgment of California licensing boards. The reform restricts licensure practices and discretions from licensing boards in the following areas:
- Licensing boards are now limited to how they can use prior convictions to approve or deny license applications.
- Convictions over 7 years are no longer sufficient grounds for license denial.
- Criminal convictions must be "substantially related" to the required occupational duties or qualifications in order to be a basis for license denial, revocation, or suspension.
- New license applications can no longer be denied due to criminal convictions that were dismissed, pardoned, expunged, or if the applicant gave proof of rehabilitation.
- License applicants are no longer required to self-disclose prior convictions unless their profession does not require fingerprint background checks.
- Licensing boards are required to publicly report all appeal and license denial data.
"For years, Unlock Legal has been helping expunge and seal records, petition denials, and face licensing boards on behalf of California professionals. We understand the importance of unlocking your license and livelihood. AB-2138 is a revolutionary step in helping these residents obtain their licenses and protect their careers," says McCroskey.
To learn more about Unlock Legal's full list of Professional License Defense services, visit http://www.unlocklegal.com
About Unlock Legal
Unlock Legal, a professional law corporation, specializes in professional license defense for California residents. The legal team of experienced license defense attorneys assists professionals who have received a statement of issues from their licensing boards, fear threats of professional discipline, or have lost or surrendered their professional license and are seeking assistance to be reinstated.
Contact:
Miranda McCroskey
Unlock Legal
[email protected]
http://www.unlocklegal.com
(833) 865-6253
SOURCE Unlock Legal
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