What Happens if You are Convicted of a Felony?
A felony conviction can have severe and long-lasting consequences on a person’s life. If you are convicted of a felony, you can face a range of penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and loss of certain rights. In this article, we will explore what happens if you are convicted of a felony and the potential consequences you may face.
Immediate Consequences
If you are convicted of a felony, the immediate consequences will depend on the specific crime you committed and the laws of the state in which you were convicted. Some common immediate consequences of a felony conviction include:
- Imprisonment: You may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, which can range from a few years to life.
- Fines: You may be ordered to pay a fine, which can be significant.
- Restitution: You may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim or victims of the crime.
- Probation: You may be placed on probation, which means you will be supervised by a probation officer and must comply with certain conditions.
Long-Term Consequences
In addition to the immediate consequences, a felony conviction can also have long-term consequences. Some common long-term consequences of a felony conviction include:
- Loss of Civil Rights: You may lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or serve on a jury.
- Loss of Professional Licenses: You may lose your professional licenses, such as a medical or law license.
- Difficulty Finding Employment: Many employers will not hire individuals with felony convictions, making it difficult to find employment.
- Housing and Education Challenges: You may face challenges finding housing or accessing education and job training programs due to your felony conviction.
Potential Sentences
The potential sentences for a felony conviction vary depending on the crime and the state in which you were convicted. Some common sentences for felony convictions include:
| Felony | Potential Sentence |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor: Less serious crimes, such as petty theft or disorderly conduct | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine |
| Class A Felony: Serious crimes, such as murder or robbery | 20 years to life in prison |
| Class B Felony: Less serious crimes, such as burglary or forgery | 10-20 years in prison |
| Class C Felony: Less serious crimes, such as drug possession or theft | 5-10 years in prison |
Appealing a Felony Conviction
If you are convicted of a felony and believe the conviction was unfair or that you were wrongly convicted, you may be able to appeal the conviction. The appeals process typically involves filing a notice of appeal with the court and arguing that the conviction was incorrect. The appeals process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is often necessary to hire an attorney to help with the process.
Restoring Civil Rights
If you have been convicted of a felony, you may lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or serve on a jury. To restore these rights, you will typically need to petition the court or complete a certain number of years of probation or parole. The specific requirements for restoring civil rights vary by state and can be complex, so it is often necessary to hire an attorney to help with the process.
Conclusion
A felony conviction can have severe and long-lasting consequences on a person’s life. It is important to understand the potential consequences of a felony conviction and to take steps to minimize the impact of a conviction. If you have been convicted of a felony, it is important to seek the advice of an attorney to understand your rights and options and to take steps to restore your civil rights and rebuild your life.
Additional Resources
- National Institute of Justice: Felony Conviction and the Impact on Employment
- Bureau of Justice Statistics: Felony Conviction and the Impact on Education
- American Civil Liberties Union: Felony Conviction and the Loss of Civil Rights
