Does a Felony Ever Go Away?
A felony is a serious criminal offense that can have long-lasting consequences on an individual’s life. Once a person is convicted of a felony, it can remain on their record for a significant amount of time, even decades. But the question remains: does a felony ever go away? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of a felony conviction on an individual’s life.
What is a Felony?
Before we dive into the question of whether a felony ever goes away, it’s essential to understand what a felony is. A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies can include crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking, among others. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors, which are punishable by less than one year in prison.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction can have significant consequences on an individual’s life. Some of the most common consequences include:
- Loss of voting rights: In most states, individuals with a felony conviction lose their right to vote until their voting rights are restored.
- Loss of professional licenses: A felony conviction can result in the loss of professional licenses, such as a driver’s license, medical license, or law license.
- Increased difficulty finding employment: Many employers require background checks, which can reveal a felony conviction. This can make it difficult for individuals to find employment.
- Increased difficulty finding housing: Landlords may be reluctant to rent to individuals with a felony conviction.
- Difficulty obtaining student financial aid: Individuals with a felony conviction may have difficulty obtaining student financial aid.
Sealing and Expunging a Felony Conviction
So, does a felony ever go away? The answer is yes, but it’s not a simple process. In most states, individuals can seek to have their felony conviction sealed or expunged. Sealing and expunging a felony conviction can help individuals to keep their conviction private and out of the public record.
Sealing a Felony Conviction:
- Some states allow for the sealing of felony convictions after a certain period of time.
- The sealing process typically requires a court order and a fee.
- Sealed convictions are still considered to be part of the individual’s criminal history, but they are not accessible to the public.
Expunging a Felony Conviction:
- Expungement is the process of completely removing a felony conviction from an individual’s criminal record.
- Not all states allow for expungement of felony convictions.
- The expungement process typically requires a court order and a fee.
- Expunged convictions are not accessible to the public and are not considered part of the individual’s criminal history.
Facts About Sealing and Expunging Felony Convictions
Here are some important facts to know about sealing and expunging felony convictions:
| State | Sealing/Expungement Laws |
|---|---|
| California | Sealing and expungement available after completion of sentence |
| New York | Sealing available after 10 years, expungement available after 20 years |
| Texas | Sealing available after 10 years, expungement available after 20 years |
| Florida | Sealing available after 7 years, expungement available after 10 years |
Benefits of Sealing and Expunging a Felony Conviction
Sealing and expunging a felony conviction can have significant benefits for individuals. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Improved employment opportunities: Sealed and expunged convictions are not accessible to the public, making it easier for individuals to find employment.
- Improved housing opportunities: Landlords are less likely to discriminate against individuals with sealed and expunged convictions.
- Improved educational opportunities: Individuals with sealed and expunged convictions may have easier access to student financial aid and other educational opportunities.
- Improved social opportunities: Sealed and expunged convictions can help individuals to reintegrate into society and build positive relationships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a felony conviction can have long-lasting consequences, it is not a lifelong sentence. Sealing and expunging a felony conviction can help individuals to keep their conviction private and out of the public record. By understanding the laws and processes surrounding sealing and expungement, individuals can take control of their criminal record and work towards a brighter future.
Additional Resources
For more information on sealing and expunging felony convictions, individuals can:
- Contact their state’s public defender’s office: Public defender’s offices can provide information on the sealing and expungement process in their state.
- Contact their state’s district attorney’s office: District attorney’s offices can provide information on the sealing and expungement process in their state.
- Consult with a criminal defense attorney: A criminal defense attorney can provide personalized advice and guidance on the sealing and expungement process.
Remember, while a felony conviction can be a significant obstacle, it is not a barrier to success. With the right information and support, individuals can overcome the consequences of a felony conviction and build a brighter future.
