What Happens When You Get a Felony?
A felony conviction can have severe and lasting consequences on an individual’s life. It is crucial to understand the implications and effects of a felony conviction on one’s life, criminal record, and future prospects. In this article, we will explore what happens when you get a felony and the potential consequences.
What is a Felony?
A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are typically considered to be more severe than misdemeanors, which are less serious crimes punishable by a year or less in jail. Felonies are often categorized into different degrees, with more severe felonies carrying longer prison sentences and harsher penalties.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
A felony conviction can lead to a range of severe consequences, including:
• Prison Time: The most significant consequence of a felony conviction is imprisonment. The length of time served varies depending on the severity of the crime, the individual’s criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
• Criminal Record: A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can be accessed by anyone, including potential employers, landlords, and financial institutions.
• Loss of Civil Rights: In most states, a felony conviction can lead to the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, serve on a jury, or own a firearm.
• Fine and Restitution: Convicted felons may be ordered to pay fines and restitution to victims or the court.
• Supervised Release: After serving prison time, felons may be released on supervised parole or probation, which can last for several years.
Impact on Employment
A felony conviction can significantly impact an individual’s employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can lead to:
• Difficulty Finding Employment: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with felony convictions, making it challenging to find employment.
• Limited Job Opportunities: Convicted felons may face limited job opportunities, including lower-paying jobs or no job at all.
• Professional Licensure: Certain professions, such as law, medicine, or teaching, may have licensing requirements that prohibit individuals with felony convictions.
Impact on Education
A felony conviction can also impact an individual’s educational prospects. This includes:
• Barred from Certain Programs: Convicted felons may be barred from participating in certain educational programs, such as federal student aid programs.
• Limited School Options: Some schools and universities may have policies that prohibit individuals with felony convictions from attending.
Restoration of Rights
While a felony conviction can be devastating, there are some ways to restore certain rights. This includes:
• Pardon: In some states, individuals may be eligible for a pardon, which can restore their civil rights and remove certain restrictions.
• Restoration of Voting Rights: In some states, convicted felons may be allowed to vote after completing their sentence and serving a specified period of time.
• Sealing or Expungement: Some states allow individuals to seal or expunge their criminal records, which can make it easier to find employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Table: Rights Restoration
| State | Pardon | Restoration of Voting Rights | Sealing/Expungement |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | 5 years after completion of sentence | Yes |
| Florida | Yes | 5 years after completion of sentence | No |
| New York | Yes | 2 years after completion of sentence | Yes |
| Texas | Yes | 2 years after completion of sentence | No |
Conclusion
A felony conviction can have severe and lasting consequences on an individual’s life. It is essential to understand the potential consequences and implications of a felony conviction, including imprisonment, criminal record, loss of civil rights, fines, and restitution. However, there are ways to restore certain rights, and individuals should explore these options to improve their chances of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Additional Tips
• Seek Professional Help: If you have been convicted of a felony, consider seeking professional help from a lawyer, rehabilitation counselor, or therapist.
• Stay Informed: Stay informed about laws and regulations regarding felony convictions in your state.
• Focus on Rehabilitation: Focus on rehabilitation and taking steps to improve your behavior and become a productive member of society.
By understanding the consequences of a felony conviction and taking steps to restore certain rights, individuals can work towards a better future and a second chance at life.
