People in the State of Washington who have a criminal history sometimes have the unique option of receiving a Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP). This is meant to help combat some of the challenges that come with securing housing, obtaining a professional license or finding employment after a criminal conviction.
The CROP is a certificate that’s issued by the court. It’s meant to show that the individual has shown that they’re rehabilitated and committed to moving forward as a productive member of society.
Who qualifies for CROP?
There are several eligibility criteria for CROP. In order to receive a CROP, the individual has to successfully complete the court-imposed sentence, including probation and supervision. They must not have any additional convictions for three to five years, and they can’t have any convictions for sex offenses and other disqualifying crimes.
While the CROP program is a good opportunity, people who are considering taking this step should know that private landlords and employers aren’t required to accept it. People who are seeking a professional license may find CROP to be well worth the effort. Most licensing boards are required to consider CROP when they’re reviewing applications, which means that a person with a criminal history may not be automatically disqualified.
If a person meets the qualifications for CROP, they must file a petition with the court, notify applicable parties and have a hearing. This can be a complex process, so it’s often best for them to have someone to assist them throughout it.