What must a Notary Public do if they become a convicted felon?

A Notary Public must resign immediately and notify the authorities if they become a convicted felon. This requirement is in place because a felony conviction can undermine the trust and integrity expected of a Notary Public. The role of a notary is to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, and the legal and ethical standards for this position are quite high.

By resigning, the notary acknowledges the severity of the conviction and ensures that they are no longer serving in a capacity that could be compromised by their legal circumstances. This helps to maintain public trust in the notary system. Notifying the authorities also ensures that the proper records are updated regarding their status as a notary.

Options such as continuing to serve after showing remorse or seeking legal counsel suggest ways to navigate the situation but do not address the immediate obligation to step down from their role. Similarly, requesting a hearing to contest the conviction does not directly satisfy the legal requirement imposed on the notary in the event of a felony conviction. Thus, the appropriate and required action is to resign from the notary position and inform the relevant authorities.