How Long Does a Felony Last?
A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, affecting not only their freedom but also their relationships, employment, and future opportunities. The duration of a felony conviction can vary depending on several factors, including the type of felony, the jurisdiction, and the individual’s criminal history. In this article, we will explore the length of a felony conviction and its consequences.
How Long Does a Felony Last?
A felony conviction typically lasts for the rest of an individual’s life. Once convicted of a felony, the record remains on an individual’s criminal history even after they have completed their sentence. This means that a felony conviction can affect an individual’s ability to obtain employment, housing, and other benefits long after they have served their time.
Types of Felony Convictions
There are two main types of felony convictions: felony and felony with a mandatory minimum sentence.
- Felony: A felony conviction typically carries a maximum sentence of more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies include theft, burglary, and drug trafficking.
- Felony with a mandatory minimum sentence: A felony conviction with a mandatory minimum sentence carries a minimum sentence of a certain number of years in prison. Examples of felonies with mandatory minimum sentences include murder, robbery, and kidnapping.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction can have serious consequences, including:
- Loss of voting rights: In many states, individuals with felony convictions are unable to vote until their rights are restored.
- Loss of gun rights: Individuals with felony convictions are often prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
- Difficulty finding employment: Many employers conduct background checks, which can reveal a felony conviction. This can make it difficult for individuals with felony convictions to find employment.
- Difficulty finding housing: Landlords and property managers may conduct background checks, which can reveal a felony conviction. This can make it difficult for individuals with felony convictions to find housing.
- Difficulty obtaining student loans: Individuals with felony convictions may have difficulty obtaining student loans or other forms of financial aid.
Restoration of Rights
In many states, individuals with felony convictions can have their rights restored after completing their sentence and serving a certain amount of time. The length of time it takes to restore rights varies by state. In some states, individuals can have their rights restored after 5-10 years, while in other states, it may take 15-20 years or more.
Table: Restoration of Rights by State
| State | Time Required to Restore Rights |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 5-7 years |
| Alaska | 5-7 years |
| Arizona | 5-7 years |
| Arkansas | 5-7 years |
| California | 5-7 years |
| Colorado | 5-7 years |
| Connecticut | 5-7 years |
| Delaware | 5-7 years |
| Florida | 5-7 years |
| Georgia | 5-7 years |
| Hawaii | 5-7 years |
| Idaho | 5-7 years |
| Illinois | 5-7 years |
| Indiana | 5-7 years |
| Iowa | 5-7 years |
| Kansas | 5-7 years |
| Kentucky | 5-7 years |
| Louisiana | 5-7 years |
| Maine | 5-7 years |
| Maryland | 5-7 years |
| Massachusetts | 5-7 years |
| Michigan | 5-7 years |
| Minnesota | 5-7 years |
| Mississippi | 5-7 years |
| Missouri | 5-7 years |
| Montana | 5-7 years |
| Nebraska | 5-7 years |
| Nevada | 5-7 years |
| New Hampshire | 5-7 years |
| New Jersey | 5-7 years |
| New Mexico | 5-7 years |
| New York | 5-7 years |
| North Carolina | 5-7 years |
| North Dakota | 5-7 years |
| Ohio | 5-7 years |
| Oklahoma | 5-7 years |
| Oregon | 5-7 years |
| Pennsylvania | 5-7 years |
| Rhode Island | 5-7 years |
| South Carolina | 5-7 years |
| South Dakota | 5-7 years |
| Tennessee | 5-7 years |
| Texas | 5-7 years |
| Utah | 5-7 years |
| Vermont | 5-7 years |
| Virginia | 5-7 years |
| Washington | 5-7 years |
| West Virginia | 5-7 years |
| Wisconsin | 5-7 years |
| Wyoming | 5-7 years |
Conclusion
A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, affecting not only their freedom but also their relationships, employment, and future opportunities. Once convicted of a felony, the record remains on an individual’s criminal history even after they have completed their sentence. It is essential for individuals with felony convictions to understand the length of their conviction and the consequences that come with it. By understanding the consequences of a felony conviction, individuals can take steps to restore their rights and move forward with their lives.
