Until last year, the California State Education Code prohibited the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a credential to any person who had previously been convicted of a crime involving controlled substances.
Gov. Newsom signed SB-731 into law in 2022. That law amended the Education Code to provide a path for some individuals with prior drug convictions to earn teaching credentials. The conviction must be more than 5 years old and the applicant must have already received an expungement. If the applicant meets both of those criteria, the Commission may not use the old conviction as a basis to deny the issuance of a credential.
Our office has extensive experience with expungements in California. Even if other attorneys have told you that you are not eligible, call us for a second opinion. Many lawyers are not familiar with recent changes in the law that now make relief available to people who were previously disqualified.
If you or a loved one has ever thought about becoming a teacher but were deterred by an old drug conviction, we can help. Call for a free attorney consultation. (714) 449-3335. Ask for John.
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