What Happens When You Have a Felony?
A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. If you are convicted of a felony, it can have a significant impact on your life, including your freedom, employment, and relationships. In this article, we will explore what happens when you have a felony and the consequences that come with it.
Conviction and Sentencing
When you are convicted of a felony, you will be sentenced by a judge. The sentence can vary depending on the severity of the crime, your criminal history, and other factors. Here are some possible sentences for a felony conviction:
- Prison Time: You may be sentenced to serve time in prison, which can range from a few years to life imprisonment.
- Probation: You may be sentenced to serve a period of probation, which means you will be supervised by a probation officer and must follow certain rules and guidelines.
- Fine: You may be ordered to pay a fine, which can be a one-time payment or a series of payments over time.
- Community Service: You may be ordered to perform community service, which can include tasks such as cleaning up public spaces or helping non-profit organizations.
Collateral Consequences
In addition to the sentence imposed by the court, a felony conviction can have significant collateral consequences that can affect your life for years to come. Some of these consequences include:
- Loss of Voting Rights: In many states, individuals with felony convictions lose their right to vote.
- Loss of Gun Rights: Individuals with felony convictions may lose their right to own or possess firearms.
- Loss of Professional Licenses: Certain professional licenses, such as those for lawyers, doctors, and teachers, may be revoked or suspended due to a felony conviction.
- Difficulty Finding Employment: Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can make it difficult to find employment.
- Housing Challenges: Landlords may refuse to rent to individuals with felony convictions, and some apartments and homes may have restrictions on tenants with felony records.
Felony Classification
Felonies are classified into different categories, which can affect the severity of the sentence and the collateral consequences. Here are some common felony classifications:
- First-Degree Felony: This is the most serious type of felony, and is typically punishable by life imprisonment.
- Second-Degree Felony: This type of felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Third-Degree Felony: This type of felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Expungement and Sealing
In some cases, it may be possible to have a felony conviction expunged or sealed, which means that it will not appear on your criminal record. This can be done through a process called expungement, which is typically available after a certain period of time has passed since the conviction. Here are some benefits of expungement:
- Improved Job Prospects: An expunged conviction can improve your job prospects, as it will not appear on your criminal record.
- Increased Voting Rights: An expunged conviction can restore your right to vote.
- Increased Gun Rights: An expunged conviction can restore your right to own or possess firearms.
Table: Felony Classification and Sentencing
| Felony Classification | Punishable by | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Felony | Life Imprisonment | Life Imprisonment |
| Second-Degree Felony | Up to 15 Years | 15 Years |
| Third-Degree Felony | Up to 5 Years | 5 Years |
Conclusion
A felony conviction can have significant consequences for your life, including your freedom, employment, and relationships. It is important to understand the process of conviction and sentencing, as well as the collateral consequences that can result from a felony conviction. By understanding the different felony classifications and the potential consequences, you can better navigate the criminal justice system and make informed decisions about your future.
