A felony conviction can have profound effects on a person’s life, personal freedom, social status, economic opportunities, and civic participation. Keep in mind, the consequences extend beyond the legal penalties of fines, probation, or imprisonment, effecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life. This article explores how a felony conviction can impact various aspects of one’s life. If you’ve been charged with a felony, it is essential that you speak with an attorney before making a decision that will have life altering consequences.
Loss of Gun Ownership Rights
One of the immediate impacts of a felony conviction in the United States is the loss of the right to own or possess firearms. Under federal law, individuals convicted of a felony are prohibited from buying, owning, or possessing guns. Of course, this restriction is intended to prevent future violence, but for many felons it simply feels like a punishment or a way for the Government to impinge on citizen’s second amendment rights. For many, there doesn’t seem to be any connection between gun ownership and non-violent crimes. Some states may have provisions for restoring gun rights, but this process is typically complex and may require a gubernatorial pardon or a lengthy period of good behavior.
Other states have their own statutes on gun ownership that may be different than federal law. Even though it remains illegal under federal law, Colorado does not prohibit people convicted of certain felonies from possessing a firearm. Convictions for felony charges that fall under Colorado’s Victim’s Rights Act still make ownership or possession a Class 5 felony under Colorado law. Speak with an attorney in your state to determine what is the best course of action in your situation.
Background Checks
Background checks are a part of many aspects of life, including employment, housing, and applying for loans. A felony conviction on one’s record can severely limit one’s options. Employers and landlords often hesitate to accept individuals with a criminal history, fearing liability or possibly perceived unreliability or inability to find employment.
This becomes a Catch-22 for many convicted felons, as the ability to find housing and employment are essential parts of reintegration into society.
Voting Rights Restrictions
Voting is a civic right that can also be affected when one becomes a convicted felon. Most states restrict the voting rights of felons to varying degrees. Some states disenfranchise individuals only during incarceration, while others extend this exclusion to periods of parole or even indefinitely. Check your state’s laws about voting if you have a felony conviction.
Challenges in Finding Work
Securing a job is one of the most serious challenges faced by individuals with felony convictions. Many employers are reluctant to hire felons, leading to high rates of unemployment. Barriers to employment are not just a financial issue—it also impacts personal dignity and the stability needed to avoid future offenses. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and recidivism for many individuals.
Certain professions, particularly those requiring licenses, are generally off-limits to someone with a felony record, such as law enforcement, military, teaching, and healthcare.
Difficulty in Finding Housing
Similar to employment, securing housing can be an uphill battle for someone with a felony conviction. Many rental agreements include clauses that allow landlords to reject applicants with criminal histories. Even public housing authorities have the discretion to deny applications based on felony convictions, particularly if the offenses involve drugs or violence. Unfortunately, this can lead to many ex-felons living in undesirable housing choices, and increased rates of homelessness.
Impact on Travel and Immigration
Travel and immigration are also impacted by a felony conviction. Many countries restrict or deny entry to individuals with criminal records. Our neighbor to the North, Canada, is very selective about whom is allows into the country. If you have a felony conviction, be mindful of the regulations of the country to which you intend to travel. Obtaining a passport can also be more complicated, with restrictions being placed on travel during probation or parole periods.
If you are undocumented or otherwise not a legal U.S. citizen or resident, a felony conviction can be devastating towards your hopes of remaining in the U.S. or later becoming a citizen. If you are currently facing this challenge, you should consult a lawyer immediately.
Loss of Professional Licenses and Educational Opportunities
A felony conviction often leads to the revocation of professional licenses and can disqualify individuals from receiving certain educational grants and loans. A conviction not only limits career advancement but also reduces the ability to pursue higher education. This can be devastating to someone who has spent years obtaining a higher education and/or professional degrees that they can no longer pursue their chose career path.
Contact An Attorney
A felony conviction can affect your life in ways you’d never expect. From losing fundamental rights like voting and owning firearms, to facing everyday struggles in securing employment and housing. If you have been charged with a felony, speak with a criminal defense attorney in your area to discuss your rights and options. Whether to accept a plea that involves a felony conviction is one of the biggest decisions in your life, do not make that decision without the assistance of counsel.
Even after you have plead guilty to a felony, you may still have options to clean up your criminal record. Many states allow for sealing after a certain number of years if certain conditions have been met.