What Can’t You Do with a Felony?
Having a felony conviction can be a life-altering event, and it’s essential to understand the significant implications it can have on one’s life. In the United States, a felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison. A conviction can lead to various limitations and restrictions, making it challenging to reintegrate into society. In this article, we’ll explore some of the things you can’t do with a felony conviction.
Licensing and Certification
having a felony conviction can affect your ability to obtain or maintain professional licenses
• Professional licenses: Many professions require a certain level of certification or licensing. A felony conviction can make it difficult to obtain or maintain these licenses.
• Bar license: In some states, a felony conviction can result in the revocation of a law license.
• Medical licenses: Healthcare professionals with a felony conviction may face difficulties in maintaining their medical licenses.
Housing and Employment
Felony convictions can lead to difficulties in securing or maintaining housing and employment
• Housing: Landlords may deny renters with a felony conviction or charge higher rent due to the increased risk of renting to a convicted felon.
• Employment: Many employers, particularly in industries such as healthcare and finance, may have a policy of not hiring individuals with felony convictions.
• Background checks: The possibility of a background check discovering a felony conviction can raise concerns for potential employers and landlords.
Financial Constraints
Felony convictions can lead to significant financial burdens
• Wage garnishment: Child support, alimony, and taxes can be garnished from a felon’s paycheck.
• Restrictions on bank accounts: Federal regulations restrict the banking and financial services available to felons.
• Access to loans and credit: Felons may struggle to obtain loans or credit, making it difficult to restart their lives.
Civil Rights and Voting
Felony convictions can result in the loss of civil rights and voting privileges
• Voting: In some states, convicted felons may lose their voting rights for a specified period or indefinitely.
• Jury duty: In some jurisdictions, felons may be excluded from jury duty.
• Licensing and permits: Some states may revoke licenses or permits held by convicted felons.
Reintegration Challenges
Reentering society after a felony conviction can be difficult and challenging
• Prison culture: Convicted felons may face a difficult transition back to the outside world, particularly if they were part of a prison gang or engaged in criminal activity during their sentence.
• Lack of resources: Many ex-convicts struggle to find employment, housing, and access to healthcare, further complicating their reentry into society.
• Stigma and social exclusion: Convicted felons may face social stigma, making it challenging to reestablish relationships and integrate back into their communities.
Conclusion
Having a felony conviction can have far-reaching consequences, affecting an individual’s ability to reintegrate into society. Restrictions on licensing and certification, housing and employment, financial constraints, civil rights, and reintegration challenges can make it challenging for convicted felons to restart their lives. Understanding these limitations is essential to help individuals with felony convictions navigate the complex system and work towards a brighter future.
Table: felonies and their implications
| Felony Conviction | Implications |
|---|---|
| Professional licenses | Affects ability to obtain or maintain licenses |
| Housing and employment | Difficult to secure or maintain housing and employment |
| Financial constraints | Wage garnishment, restrictions on bank accounts, and access to loans and credit |
| Civil rights and voting | Loss of voting rights, jury duty, and licensing and permits |
| Reintegration challenges | Prison culture, lack of resources, and social exclusion |
Bulletpoints: important things to consider
- Consult with an attorney to understand the specific implications of your felony conviction
- Be prepared for background checks and drug testing during the job search process
- Build a support network of friends and family to help during the reentry process
- Consider seeking assistance from a reentry program or job training organization
- Always check with the specific organization or state to confirm requirements and restrictions
