How Long is a Felony on Your Record?
A felony conviction can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, affecting not only their freedom but also their future employment, education, and housing opportunities. One of the most common questions people ask is how long a felony remains on their record. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide information on the different factors that can affect the duration of a felony conviction on a person’s record.
How Long is a Felony on Your Record?
The length of time a felony remains on an individual’s record varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of felony. In the United States, a felony conviction can remain on an individual’s record for a lifetime, or it can be expunged or sealed after a certain period of time.
Felony Expungement and Sealing
Felony expungement and sealing are legal processes that allow individuals to have their felony convictions removed from their records. The process and eligibility requirements for expungement and sealing vary by state, but generally, an individual must meet certain criteria, such as:
- Completing their sentence, including probation and parole
- Not having any other felony convictions
- Not having any pending criminal charges
- Meeting specific eligibility requirements, such as having a certain amount of time pass since the conviction
Table: Felony Expungement and Sealing Eligibility Requirements by State
| State | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| California | 7 years since completion of sentence, no new convictions or pending charges |
| Florida | 10 years since completion of sentence, no new convictions or pending charges |
| Illinois | 4 years since completion of sentence, no new convictions or pending charges |
| New York | 10 years since completion of sentence, no new convictions or pending charges |
Felony Expungement Process
The felony expungement process typically involves filing a petition with the court and providing documentation supporting the individual’s eligibility for expungement. The court will then review the petition and make a determination on whether to grant or deny the expungement.
Felony Sealing Process
The felony sealing process is similar to the expungement process, but it is used for individuals who are not eligible for expungement. Sealing a felony conviction means that the record is not publicly available, but it is still accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Impact of a Felony on Your Record
A felony conviction can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, including:
- Employment: A felony conviction can make it difficult to find employment, especially in certain industries such as healthcare, finance, and education.
- Education: A felony conviction can affect an individual’s ability to pursue higher education or receive financial aid.
- Housing: A felony conviction can make it difficult to find housing, especially in certain areas or with certain landlords.
- Voting Rights: A felony conviction can affect an individual’s voting rights, depending on the state and the type of felony.
Conclusion
A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, and it is important to understand how long a felony remains on a person’s record. While the length of time a felony remains on a record varies by jurisdiction, individuals can take steps to have their felony convictions expunged or sealed. It is important to consult with a legal professional to determine the eligibility requirements and process for expungement or sealing in your state.
