What does felony disabled mean?

What does Felony Disabled mean?

When someone is referred to as "felony disabled," it can be a confusing and concerning term, especially for those who are not familiar with the criminal justice system. In this article, we will explore the meaning of "felony disabled" and its implications for individuals and society.

What is Felony Disabled?

Felony disabled, also known as "felony status" or "felony-disability status," is a term used to describe an individual who has been convicted of a felony crime and has a corresponding legal status that prevents them from being employed, owning firearms, or accessing certain government benefits. A felony conviction can have severe consequences on an individual’s life, including loss of employment opportunities, housing, and even family relationships.

Types of Felonies

Felonies are typically defined as serious crimes that carry a maximum prison sentence of more than one year. In the United States, there are different types of felonies, including:

• First-degree felonies: The most serious type of felony, which can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
• Second-degree felonies: Carry a maximum sentence of more than 10 years but less than life in prison.
• Third-degree felonies: Carry a maximum sentence of more than one year but less than 10 years.

Felony Disabilities

When someone is convicted of a felony, they may be disabled from engaging in certain activities, including:

• Employment: Many jobs require background checks, which can detect a felony conviction. Employers may view a felony conviction as a risk or a liability.
• Firearms: Felony convictions can disqualify individuals from owning or possessing firearms.
• Government benefits: Felony convictions can affect eligibility for government benefits, such as student loans, welfare, and social security benefits.
• Housing: Felony convictions can make it difficult to rent or purchase housing, especially in certain areas.

Consequences of Felony Disabilities

The consequences of felony disabilities can be severe and long-lasting. For individuals who are convicted of a felony, they may face:

• Discrimination: Employers, landlords, and service providers may discriminate against individuals with felony convictions.
• Stigma: Felony convictions can carry a significant stigma, making it difficult for individuals to reintegrate into society.
• Limited job opportunities: With felony disabilities, individuals may be limited to low-skilled or unskilled jobs, making it difficult to escape poverty.
• Barriers to reentry: Felony convictions can create barriers to reentry, including difficulty accessing housing, employment, and education.

Reform Efforts

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reform felony laws and reduce the barriers faced by individuals with felony convictions. Some of the key reforms include:

• Bipartisan bills: There are several bipartisan bills aimed at reducing barriers to employment, housing, and education for individuals with felony convictions.
• Criminal justice reform: Efforts to reform criminal justice laws, such as reducing sentencing lengths and improving rehabilitation programs, can help reduce the number of felony convictions and disabilities.
• Ban the box: Some cities and states have implemented "ban the box" policies, which prevent employers from asking about an individual’s felony conviction during the initial stages of hiring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "felony disabled" is a term that describes an individual who has been convicted of a felony and has a corresponding legal status that prevents them from engaging in certain activities. Felony disabilities can have severe consequences on an individual’s life, including loss of employment opportunities, housing, and even family relationships. As society seeks to reduce the barriers faced by individuals with felony convictions, it is essential to understand the complexities of felony disabilities and work towards creating a more equitable and just criminal justice system.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Justice: Felony Discharge and Reintegration
• Bureau of Justice Statistics: Felony Discharge and Reentry
• National Association of State Criminal Justice Policy: Criminal Justice Reform
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Q&A: Arrest and Conviction Records

Table: Types of Felonies

Bullet Points: Consequences of Felony Disabilities

• Discrimination
• Stigma
• Limited job opportunities
• Barriers to reentry
• Difficulty accessing housing
• Limited access to education and training