Expungement: Clear your past arrest and conviction record

In Mississippi, a Certificate of Rehabilitation is a formal document issued by a court that acknowledges a convicted person’s rehabilitation and restoration of civil rights — but only in limited circumstances. It's distinct from a pardon or expungement.

The Federal Government does not recognize a Certificate of Rehabilitation.

To restore certain civil rights lost due to a felony conviction — especially firearm rights.

Restoration of Firearm Rights (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-5(3)):

"A person who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of this state, under the laws of another state, under federal law or in state military court may apply for a certificate of rehabilitation as provided in this section. If the person was convicted of a felony under the laws of this state, he or she may apply to the court in which he was convicted for a certificate of rehabilitation. If the person was convicted of a felony under the laws of another state, under federal law or in state military court, he or she may apply to the court in the person’s county of residence for a certificate of rehabilitation. A person convicted of a felony under the laws of another state, under federal law or in state military court shall attach a certified copy of his or her judgment and a certified copy of his or her completion of sentence to the petition for a certificate of rehabilitation. The court may grant such certificate in its discretion upon a showing to the satisfaction of the court that the applicant has been rehabilitated and has led a useful, productive and law-abiding life since the completion of his or her sentence and upon the finding of the court that he or she will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety."

A certificate of rehabilitation does not erase or seal the conviction. The conviction remains part of the person’s criminal record.

• Expungement: Limited to certain felonies.
• Governor’s Pardon: Full discretionary clemency by the Governor, which may restore all rights.